Travel sickness
Treating motion sickness
Mild symptoms of motion sickness can usually be improved using techniques such as fixing your eyes on the horizon or distracting yourself by listening to music.
Other self care techniques you could try include:
- Keep still if possible, choose a cabin or seat in the middle of a boat or plane, because this is where you'll experience the least movement. Use a pillow or headrest to help keep your head as still as possible.
- Look at a stable object for example, the horizon. Reading or playing games may make your symptoms worse. Closing your eyes may help relieve symptoms.
- Fresh air open windows or move to the top deck of a ship to avoid getting too hot and to get a good supply of fresh air.
- Relax by listening to music while focusing on your breathing or carrying out a mental activity, such as counting backwards from 100.
- Stay calm keep calm about the journey. Youre more likely to get motion sickness if you worry about it.
Its also a good idea to avoid eating a large meal or drinking alcohol before travelling. You should keep well hydrated throughout your journey by drinking water.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Motion sickness is a term that describes an unpleasant combination of symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, that can occur when you're travelling.
When to seek medical advice
It's only necessary to seek medical advice about motion sickness if your symptoms continue after you stop travelling. Your GP will be able to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness is usually associated with travelling in a car, ship, plane or train. However, you can also get it on fairground rides and while watching or playing fast-paced films or computer games.
Treating motion sickness
Mild symptoms of motion sickness can usually be improved using techniques such as fixing your eyes on the horizon or distracting yourself by listening to music. Other self care techniques you could t
Medication
More severe motion sickness can be treated with medication. It's usually better to take medication for motion sickness before your journey to prevent symptoms developing. Hyoscine Hyoscine , also k
Complementary therapies
Several complementary therapies have been suggested for motion sickness, although the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. Ginger Ginger supplements, or other ginger products including ginger
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