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Who hasn’t felt that unpleasant sensation of dizziness, nausea or cold sweat when travelling by car, boat or even on a flight?
Motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, can spoil vacation departures or business trips, turning an eagerly anticipated journey into a dreaded moment.
Fortunately, there are proven methods for preventing and effectively combating these sometimes disabling symptoms.
In this article, we will share with you a series of practical advice to help you cope with motion sickness and enjoy your travels without fear.
Whether you’re a frequent or occasional traveller, these tips can help you travel with peace of mind and a soothed body.
Understanding motion sickness: causes and symptoms
Visit motion sicknessor kinetosis, occurs when the body’s sensory systems, which are supposed to maintain balance, come into conflict. Inconsistency between visual and inner-ear information destabilizes the body.
Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, paleness and cold sweats.
Some people may also experience excessive yawning or discomfort. Sensitivity varies greatly from one individual to another, and can be influenced by factors such as age or travel conditions.
Prevention and tips to avoid travel discomfort
To prevent motion sicknessIf you have motion sickness, choose a seat with less movement, such as the middle of a plane or the front of a boat. Staring at the horizon can stabilize the inner ear, reducing nausea.
Before and during the journey, eat light meals and avoid stimulants and alcohol. Hydration is essential: drink water regularly.
Frequent breaks on long car journeys can help to clear the mind and body. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can also ease symptoms of discomfort.
Drug treatments: options and recommendations
When preventive methods are not sufficient, recourse to drug treatments may be necessary. Available options include antihistamineswhich reduce symptoms of nausea and dizziness, and anticholinergicswhich act on the central nervous system to control discomfort.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any of these medications, as some can cause drowsiness or dry mouth. Here is a list of commonly prescribed treatments:
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- Meclozine (Bonine, Antivert)
- Scopolamine (transdermal patch)
Always follow the recommended dosage.
Alternative methods and natural remedies for motion sickness
When faced with motion sickness, some people prefer to turn to alternative gentle solutions and natural solutions. Visit essential oilssuch as peppermint or ginger, are renowned for their soothing properties.
Acupressure, via special bracelets applying pressure to certain points on the wrist, is another popular technique. Visualization and deep breathing can also help control symptoms.
Finally, eating light foods before departure and staying sufficiently hydrated are simple but effective ways of limiting discomfort.
In conclusion, motion sickness can be a troublesome condition, disrupting travel and the well-being of sufferers. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies and means available to alleviate or prevent its unpleasant effects.
These include antiemetic drugssuch as dimenhydrinate, can be very effective for some individuals, although they can sometimes cause drowsiness or other side effects.
In addition, adopting practices such as fixing one’s gaze on the horizon, selecting a seat that is less subject to movement, or adequately ventilating the vehicle can significantly reduce the feeling of discomfort.
Alternative solutions such as acupressure bracelets or behavioral therapies are also showing promising results. Travellers are advised to try out different methods to find out what works best for them personally.
In the event of frequent travel or severe symptoms, it would be wise to consult a health professional who can offer personalized advice and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The key is to proactive approachcombining preparedness and tailored interventions to deal with motion sickness.
With the right techniques, it’s perfectly possible to take to the road or the air without worrying about these inconveniences, and enjoy your travels to the full.
