The weekend family trip to the mountains was meant to be an exciting getaway. I joined my neighbours, Raj and Anjali, along with their six-year-old daughter, Ria. As the car climbed the winding roads through the hills, Ria’s enthusiasm quickly gave way to discomfort. She grew pale, and quiet, and soon clutched her stomach with a worried look on her face.
“Dr. Priya,” Anjali turned to me, her voice laced with concern, “Ria keeps feeling sick every time we travel on these curvy roads. What can we do?”
“It sounds like travel sickness,” I said gently, offering Ria a sip of water. “It’s quite common, especially in children. Let me explain what’s happening and how we can help her feel better.”
What Is Travel Sickness?
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a condition that arises when there is a mismatch between the signals sent to the brain by the eyes, inner ears, and other sensory systems. It can occur while travelling by car, boat, or plane.
“Ria’s inner ear,” I explained to Anjali, “which helps control balance, and senses motion from the winding roads. Meanwhile, her eyes are focused on the stationary car interior. This mixed information confuses the brain, leading to nausea and dizziness.”
Who Gets Travel Sickness?
“Is this common in children?” Raj asked.
I nodded. “Children are particularly susceptible, especially when they’re seated in the back of the car. Nearly all children outgrow this tendency, but some adults remain ‘bad sailors,’ struggling with motion sickness on boats or planes.”
Travel sickness can affect:
- Children: Especially between ages 2 and 12.
- Pregnant women: Hormonal changes can increase sensitivity.
- Anyone susceptible to inner ear sensitivity or balance issues.
“The larger the vehicle, like a ship or train, the less likely motion sickness is to occur,” I added. “But smaller cars and winding roads often trigger symptoms in children.”
What Are the Symptoms of Travel Sickness?
Ria’s symptoms were classic, and I explained the common signs to her parents:
- Nausea and vomiting: The most noticeable symptoms.
- Dizziness and weakness: A general feeling of unease.
- Sweating and pallor: Ria’s pale complexion and clammy skin were typical.
- Lethargy: She appeared unusually tired.
“Sometimes,” I added, “the symptoms can escalate suddenly, starting with pallor and drowsiness before progressing to nausea and vomiting.”
What Causes Travel Sickness?
The underlying cause of travel sickness lies in the semicircular canals of the inner ear, which are deep within the skull and part of the body’s balance system. These canals detect movement and vibration during travel, sending signals to the brain about motion.
“When these signals don’t match what the eyes see or the body feels,” I explained, “the brain struggles to process the information, leading to the symptoms we see in Ria.”
Factors that can worsen travel sickness include:
- Traveling on winding roads or turbulent seas.
- Reading or using screens while in motion.
- Empty or overly full stomachs before travel.
- Anxiety or apprehension about traveling.
What Is the Treatment for Travel Sickness?
I assured Raj and Anjali that there were several ways to manage Ria’s symptoms and make her more comfortable during trips.
Practical Self-Help Tips
- Stay Calm and Relaxed: Encourage Ria to take deep breaths and focus on relaxing. Anxiety can worsen symptoms.
- Look at Distant Objects: Encourage her to gaze out the window at the horizon or distant scenery, rather than focusing on nearby objects.
- Positioning Matters:
- For car travel: Ria should sit in the front seat if possible, where there’s less motion and a better view of the road.
- For boat travel: Staying in the middle of the boat, where movement is less intense, helps reduce symptoms.
- Lie Down: Reclining can rest the inner ear canals and reduce the urge to vomit.
- Take Breaks: On long road trips, stop frequently for fresh air and to stretch.
Dietary Adjustments
“Ria’s meals before travel can also make a difference,” I said.
- Avoid large meals just before or during travel.
- Opt for a light snack about an hour before the trip, such as crackers or dry biscuits.
- Avoid greasy, fried foods, and ensure she drinks enough water.
- Ginger products: Ginger ale or ginger tea can help settle the stomach and prevent nausea.
Medications and Remedies
If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, medications can be highly effective:
- Tablets:
- Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can help prevent symptoms. These should be taken 60 minutes before travel and repeated as needed.
- Non-drowsy options are available for children and adults.
- Ginger Supplements: Ginger tablets or candies are a natural alternative for reducing nausea.
- Skin Patches:
- Scopolamine adhesive patches are effective for long-distance travel, particularly by sea. The patch is applied behind the ear 5 to 6 hours before the trip and provides relief for up to three days.
- “Be cautious,” I warned. “Wash hands thoroughly after handling the patch to avoid touching the eyes.”
When to Seek Professional Help
“Most cases of travel sickness are mild,” I reassured them. “But if Ria’s symptoms persist despite these measures, or if she becomes severely dehydrated from vomiting, it’s time to see a doctor.”
A healthcare provider may recommend stronger medications or evaluate for other underlying conditions affecting balance and motion perception.
Preventing Travel Sickness in the Future
By the end of our journey, Ria was feeling better after following some of the tips we discussed.
For future trips, I advised her parents to:
- Plan Ahead: Have snacks, water, and medications ready before the trip.
- Choose the Right Seat: For car rides, sitting in the front seat helps minimize motion; for planes, the area over the wings is the most stable.
- Involve Ria in Activities: Simple games like spotting objects outside the car window can distract her from the motion.
- Use Acupressure: Some wristbands designed for travel sickness apply gentle pressure to specific points on the wrist, reducing nausea.
Conclusion: A Smoother Ride Ahead
By the time we reached our destination, Ria was smiling and eager to explore. “Thank you, Dr. Priya,” she said shyly. “I feel so much better now.”
Motion sickness, while uncomfortable, is manageable with the right strategies. Whether through lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, or medications, families can make travel more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.
FAQs About Travel Sickness
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What causes travel sickness?
Travel sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and body during motion, leading to nausea and dizziness.
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Who is most likely to experience travel sickness?
Children, pregnant women, and individuals with sensitive inner ears are more prone to travel sickness.
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How can I prevent travel sickness?
Prevent travel sickness by avoiding heavy meals before travel, sitting in stable positions, and focusing on the horizon. Medications like antihistamines can also help.
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Are there natural remedies for travel sickness?
Yes, ginger products like ginger tea, candies, or supplements can effectively reduce nausea.
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When should I see a doctor for travel sickness?
Seek medical advice if travel sickness symptoms persist or cause severe dehydration despite preventive measures.