Motion sickness: First aid

Any type of transportation might cause motion sickness. Feeling ill while in motion can strike suddenly, often beginning with a general feeling of discomfort. Symptoms may worsen to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. Many people feel better as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you may adjust to being in motion.

Treatments for motion sickness include certain techniques, supplements and medicines. These tips may help relieve motion sickness:

• Focus on the horizon. You also can focus on a distant stationary object.
• Keep your head still. You can do this by resting your head against the seat back.
• Take an antihistamine. Medicines you can buy without a prescription include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Driminate, others) and meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Travel-Ease, others). Dimenhydrinate is safe for children older than age 2. Take these medicines at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel. Drowsiness is a side effect.
• Consider scopolamine (Transderm Scop). This medicine is available by prescription as an adhesive patch. Several hours before you plan to travel, apply the patch behind your ear for three-day protection. It can cause drowsiness. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that the medicine can cause overheating. This can lead to complications such as confusion, loss of consciousness, coma or death. Children and older adults are at higher risk of this complication. It's also important to talk with your healthcare professional before using this medicine if you have glaucoma or urine retention.
• Try ginger. A ginger supplement, ginger snaps, ginger ale or candied ginger might help curb nausea.
• Eat lightly. Some people can lessen motion sickness by nibbling on plain crackers and sipping cold water or a carbonated drink without caffeine.
• Wear acupressure bands. Placing these bands on both of the wrists before traveling or after symptoms begin may help with motion sickness. Be sure the bands fit snugly, especially in younger children and infants.

You may experience less motion sickness if you take these precautions:

• Avoid sitting at the rear of a vehicle or in seats that face backward.
• Don't read or use electronic devices while in motion.
• Don't smoke or sit near people who are smoking.
• Avoid large meals, spicy or greasy foods, and alcohol when traveling.

You might avoid motion sickness by planning ahead. Pick seats where you're likely to feel motion the least:

• In an automobile, drive or sit in the front passenger seat. Children should be in age-appropriate seats and restraints.
• On a plane, reserve a seat over the front edge of a wing. Once aboard, direct the air vent flow to your face.
• On a train, take a forward-facing seat near the front and next to a window.
• On a ship, reserve a cabin in the front or middle of the ship near the water level.