Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
What measures can be taken to prevent or minimize motion sickness?
If you know you are prone to motion sickness or if you are suffering
from it, we recommend the following:
Always ride where your eyes will see the same motion
that your body and inner ears feel.
In a car, sit in the front seat and look at the
distant scenery.
On a boat, go up on the deck and watch the motion of
the horizon.
In an airplane, sit by the window and look outside.
Also, in a plane, choose a seat over the wings where the motion
is minimized.
Do not read while traveling if you are subject to
motion sickness, and do not sit in a seat facing backward.
Do not watch or talk to another traveler who is having
motion sickness.
Avoid strong odors and spicy or greasy foods that do
not agree with you (immediately before and during your travel). Medical
research has not yet investigated the effectiveness of popular folk remedies
such as "soda crackers and 7 Up" or "cola syrup over ice," or ginger products.
Take one of the varieties of motion sickness medicines before
your travel begins, as recommended by your physician.
How is motion sickness treated?
Antihistamine medications are commonly used in the prevention and
treatment of motion sickness. These medicines seem to prevent and
treat the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness
by calming the stimulation
of the inner ear. Examples of antihistamines used for this purpose
include meclizine (Bonine, Antivert, Dramamine). Another class of
medications (belladonna) used to prevent motion sickness is
represented by the scopolamine skin patch (Transderm Scop). This
medicated skin patch is applied behind the ear at
least four hours in advance of the motion activity. The medication is
slowly absorbed directly into the underlying skin.
When used specifically to prevent motion sickness, regardless of the
type of medication, these medicines generally are most effective when
administered well before the motion activity takes place.
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. The causes of vomiting differ according to age, and treatment depends upon the cause of nausea and vomiting.
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem. The treatment for vertigo can be lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that may be caused by many conditions. Antiemetics are drugs that treat nausea and vomiting. Though some antiemetics for motion sickness and mild nausea are available over the counter (OTC), most require a medical evaluation and prescription.
Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.
Travelers should prepare for their trip by visiting their physician to get the proper vaccinations and obtain the necessary medication if they have a medical condition or chronic disease. Diseases that travelers may pick up from contaminated water or food, insect or animal bites, or from other people include malaria, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, and cholera.
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