Sea sickness is a type of motion sickness that occurs when you travel over water. The condition results due to a problem with your inner ear --- or the part of your body that affects your equilibrium and balance --- and often causes sweating, dizziness or vomiting. Utilize some effective methods to relieve sea sickness in order to ensure your well-being.
Step 1
Stand up. When you feel the uneasiness coming on, stand up rather than lying down or remaining seated, which often worsens sea sickness. If you are unable to leave your seat, keep your head as still as possible.
Step 2
Chew on something sweet. Some people with sea sickness find relief from chewing on peppermint candy or candied ginger root. Dry crackers are another common remedy.
Step 3
Search for a pleasant focus. Reading may intensify your illness. Instead, direct your vision to something stationary in the distance.
Step 4
Drink. Drinking water often relieves the symptoms of motion sickness. Some people also benefit from carbonated beverages.
Step 5
Avoid being around ill people. Your sea sickness may intensify when you're near others who are also suffering from the condition.
Step 6
Check your travel bag. Antihistamines are a common nonprescription solution for sea sickness, although the products often trigger drowsiness.
Step 7
Soak your feet in ice water. This is helpful in relieving some cases of motion sickness.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor may prescribe drugs like promethazine or scopolamine if sea sickness or other forms of motion sickness are a recurring problem. The drugs often protect you for up to three days, and can be taken as pills or applied as skin patches. People who are prone to sea sickness often find that the more they travel, the less the condition occurs.
- Reduce your chances for getting sea sick by avoiding spicy or greasy foods during your time on the water. Consume smaller portions of healthy foods like grains, apples or bananas, since overeating often makes you more susceptible to the condition. Alcohol and acidic drinks like grapefruit juice also raise your risk for motion sickness. Smoking increases your likelihood for sea sickness, while being in close proximity to cigarette smoke also intensifies the symptoms of the condition.
Things You'll Need
- Peppermint or ginger candy
- Bottled water or carbonated beverage
- Dry crackers
- Antihistamines
- Ice water
References
- Cleveland Clinic: What You Need to Know about Seasickness
- Mayo Clinic: Motion Sickness: First Aid
- Family Doctor: International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy
- Go Ask Alice!: Motion Sickness
- MedlinePlus: Motion Sickness
- Harvard Medical School: Air Travel Health : Jet lag, motion sickness and other issues of air travel
