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     MOTION SICKNESS

Motion sickness is a very common disturbance of the inner ear. It is caused by repeated motion from vehicles, trains, planes, or boats. It can occur on amusement rides such as roller coasters or virtual reality experiences. Motion sickness is not life-threatening, but it can make travelling unpleasant.

Causes

Motion is sensed by the brain via different pathways of the nervous system, including the inner ear, the eyes, and the tissues of the body surface.

When the body is moved intentionally, for example, when locomotion takes place, the input from all of the pathways is coordinated by the brain.

The symptoms of motion sickness appear when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from sensory systems; the inner ear, eyes, skin pressure receptors, and the muscle and joint sensory receptors. In rare cases, motion sickness is also triggered by fluid build-up in the inner ear or an ear infection.

Other motion sickness triggers include;

Reading in the car.

Insufficient fresh air in the car.

Sitting in the back seat of a car, unable to see the horizon.

Motion sickness is common in older people, pregnant women, and children between the ages of 5 and 12, and people who have migraine headaches. It may also be genetic. Once the motion stops, the motion sickness stops.

Signs and Symptoms

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Pallor

·         Sweating

·         Dizziness

·         Drowsiness

·         Malaise

·         Short breath

·         Drooling

·         Increased production of saliva

Mild symptoms

v  Headache

v  General feeling of discomfort

v  Yawning

Diagnosis

Most cases of motion sickness are mild and self-treatable.

Very severe cases and the worst ones must seek attention and immediate care from a physician who specialises in ear, balance, and nervous systems.

Laboratory tests are not necessary to diagnose motion sickness; the doctor will ask about symptoms and find out what usually causes the problem.

Remedies

Looking at the horizons - looking out of the window of the moving vehicle or a plane toward the horizon in the direction of travel helps to re-orient the inner sense of balance by providing visual reaffirmation of motion.

Fresh Air - fresh cool air can also relieve motion sickness slightly, although this is likely related to avoiding foul odours, which can cause nausea.

Keeping eyes closed and napping - nighttime or in a ship without a window, it is helpful to close one's eyes or, if possible, take a nap. This resolves the input conflict between the eyes and the inner ear.

Chewing gum has uncanny effectiveness for car sickness. One may chew to relieve mild effects of car sickness, snacking on sweet flavours, or just chewing seems to reduce the adverse effects of the conflict between vision and balance.

Ginger products -It has been found that ginger reduces motion sickness. A tablet form or a fresh stem of ginger can be chewed to relieve symptoms.

Living with Motion Sickness

Planning ahead is the best strategy for motion sickness. If your motion sickness is mild, medicines are effective. If you have motion sickness, plan ahead before you travel.

PREVENTION

Ø  Always sit in a position so that your eyes can see the same motion that the body and inner ear feel.

Ø  In a car, sit in the front seat and look at the distant scenery. Sit over a wing of a plane. Choose a midpoint on a boat and sit near a window on the train. These seats have fewer bumps.

Ø  Do not read while travelling if experiencing motion sickness.

Ø  Lie down when you are sick

Ø  Take motion sickness medicine one or two hours before travelling.

Ø  Get plenty of fresh air. Use an air conditioner or roll the window in a car.

Ø  Avoid a heavy meal before or during travelling. Eat small portions of plain food instead. Don’t eat greasy, spicy, or acidic foods before or during travel.

Ø  Drink a lot of fluids, probably water or carbonated beverages.

Ø  Avoid smoking and alcohol.

Ø  Talk to your doctor about different therapies that include pressure bands worn on the wrist.

If your symptoms last longer than a few days, see a doctor.

 

TREATMENT

Promethazine; it should be taken 2 hours before travel. The effect lasts 6-8 hours. Side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth.

Scopolamine is a commonly prescribed medication for motion sickness.

Cyclizine is most effective when taken at least 30 minutes before travel. It is not recommended for children younger than 6.

Dimenhydrinate chewing cum;

Meclizine is most effective when taken 1 hour before travel. It is not recommended for children under 12. Side effects may include drowsiness and dry mouth