Travel Sickness
TRAVEL SICKNESS is defined as a condition that occurs only during travel by air, sea or land and consists of a feeling of nausea and giddiness.
Travel sickness, or motion sickness, is when you feel sick or vomit because you're moving. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling.
It is also termed as motion sickness and can affect anyone, The centre of nausea and vomiting is present in the medulla of the brain. Whenever this centre is activated for whatever reason, nausea and vomiting begins. Again during travel, there may be a difference between the body's balance sensed by the ears and the eyes which leads to discomfort in the pit of the stomach.
What are the symptoms of travel sickness?
Symptoms may include:
- Sweating, excessive salivation, pale skin.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Drowsiness and weakness.
- Headache.
- Depression.
- General feeling of discomfort.
- What signs should I look out for?
Early indicators of an oncoming bout of nausea are:
- Headaches.
- Unexplainable quietness.
- Feeling removed and confused.
- A dry and funny tasting mouth.
- These feelings are followed by uncontrollable rushes of vomiting and an overall sick feeling.
How is travel sickness treated?
The best way to treat travel sickness is to actually prevent the symptoms from occurring in the first place. Over the counter medications can help, when taken prior to the journey. Ask you pharmacist about what is available.
What can I do to prevent travel sickness?
- When travelling by car, sit in the front seat rather than in the back.
- Avoid reading.
- Look forward, or out a window, keeping the eyes fixed on the horizon.
When travelling by plane, request seats in the most stable part of the aeroplane, which is over the wing.
- Apply cool packs of ice to the eyes and neck.
- Avoid spicy or greasy food.
Precipitating Factors
1. Women are more prone compared to men. Children below the age of ten are less prone,
2. Pregnancy and Menstruation.
3. Stress.
Clinical Features
1. Giddiness and sweating.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Dehydration.
Management
1. Travel on a full stomach.
2. Drink a lot of ftuids, ginger tea.
3. Take an anti-vomiting pill before commencing a journey if prone.
4. Ensure free ftow of fresh air where you are sitting.
|
