Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when the senses send contrasting messages to the brain.
The vestibular system in the inner ear controls our balance and tells our brain which way up we are facing and moving. If the vestibular system becomes overloaded with motion-sensor information, for example if the road is bumpy or if the water is rough when travelling by sea, and this does not correlate with what our eyes are seeing, motion sickness can strike.
Symptoms include dizziness, feeling nauseous, drowsiness, sweating, feeling weak or tired, looking pale, headaches and vomiting.
Factors which can trigger motion sickness include the smell of food, the smellof petrol and also anxiety about the oncoming sickness. Focusing the eyes on items close to you, such as maps and books, is also thoughtto be a trigger.
While children are more likely to suffer from travel sickness, most people usually grow out of it by adulthood.
Family doctor
Dr R. Phillips is a family doctor at Synergy Integrated Medical Centre (www.synergyctrdubai.com, 04-3485452). He says:
"Travel sickness is thought to be related to the discrepancy between what the visual and vestibulatory systems are each sensing, for example, feeling the motion but not seeing it, or vice versa. Here are some things you can do:
>> "In the car: Look out the front window at the horizon so you can visually see motion. Never face the back and do not read while riding in a car. Chewing on gum can help.
>> "On a ship: In a ship with no windows, close your eyes, or take a nap. Go to the deck and look at the horizon. Stand in the middle of the boat where there is the least movement.
>> "On a plane: Sit over the wing where the plane is most stable and look out of the window. Take medication if you are suffering from nausea and vomiting. Antihistamines - such as Gravol, Stugeron and Antivert - taken one hour before travelling are effective. Belladonna compounds are also useful, as is ginger root. Acupressure wristbands can help stop nausea impulses to the brain, while Nasa-designed LCD shutter glasses can also help."
Dietician
Ahamed Safeek Ali is a dietician at Welcare Hospital (04-2827788). He says:
"What you eat can have quite an effect on motion sickness. You'd think that a full stomach would make it worse, but having an empty stomach will usually make your stomach more vulnerable and could make you nauseous. Here are some tips to alleviate travel sickness.
>> "Two or three hours before you start your trip, eat a light, low-fat meal - pasta, bread, cereal, granola bars, fruits and vegetables are good. Once your trip has begun, don't go more than two hours without eating, even if it is just dry toast. Sipping a soda sometimes helps ease the nausea. If you are feeling nauseous, eat some salty snacks to help dry up your stomach.
>> "Alternative treatments include ginger and peppermint, which appear to work in some people, but have not been proven to work in clinical trials.
>> "Avoid eating large meals before or during travelling. Opt for small meals light in acidity, spice and fat. Avoid foods with strong odours, as well as dairy and meat products."
Complementary therapy
Dr Heather Eade is a complementary and alternative medicine doctor at The Dubai Mall Medical Centre(www.emaarhealthcare.com). She says:
"Motion sickness can certainly get in the way of having fun on a trip. Some tips for preventing motion sickness include the following:
>> "People who are prone to motion sickness often benefit from treatment regimens involving acupuncture and other alternative methods of supporting liver and digestive function. Try these strategies to find out which most benefit you.
>> "Try to maintain a consistent speed rather than constantly speeding up and slowing down.
>> "Keep your eyes on the horizon. Avoid reading, playing games, fiddling with your mobile, or turning around to talk to others while moving.
>> "Get some air. Nausea is often worse in a warm, stuffy environment - if you are in a car, keep the windows down or the air-con on; if on a boat, head out on to top deck.
>> "Don't travel on an empty stomach. Have a snack before you go; avoid greasy or fried foods and anything bitter, like coffee or black tea.
>> "Keep a supply of plain crackers, fresh apple juice, and ginger tea handy for when nausea strikes."