How to Prevent Motion Sickness When Traveling by Car, Boat or Plane

Motion sickness can cause nausea and dizziness.

Motion sickness can occur when traveling in any kind of vehicle. It can result in nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Motion sickness happens when the brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes and the inner ear, the organ responsible for balance. Try following some simple techniques to reduce motion sickness symptoms when you're traveling.

Things You'll Need

• Motion sickness tablets

Instructions

1. Avoid food odors while traveling. In addition, be careful what you consume while traveling. Don't eat rich, spicy foods or drink alcohol.

2. Focus your eyes on objects that are far away. If you're on a boat, focus on the horizon. Avoid reading in a moving vehicle if you have a tendency to suffer from motion sickness.

3. Put yourself in the best seat possible. If you're on a boat, check with the captain where the best place is. Normally, it's on the lower deck because the motion of the ocean and other water swells are not as noticeable as on the upper decks. When traveling by car, the front seat is normally the best place to sit. Avoid facing backward on the vehicle.

4. Breathe in fresh air. Open a vent if possible. If you're traveling by car, open a window. Do not locate yourself anywhere near the restrooms on a boat or in an airplane. The odors may make you feel even worse.

5. Close your eyes. This may help because the brain will only receive messages from the inner ear.

6. Take motion sickness tablets. Follow the instructions that accompany the tablets; most motion sickness tablets need to be taken at least half an hour or more before traveling to be effective. Some motion sickness tablets can cause drowsiness; check with your doctor or pharmacist for nondrowsy alternatives.

References

• MedicineNet.com; 10 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness; Dr. Melissa Conrad Stoppler