Summary about Disease
Motion sickness is a common condition that occurs when there is a mismatch between what your inner ear, eyes, and other parts of your body sense. This sensory conflict leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue. It's often triggered by travel in cars, boats, airplanes, or amusement park rides.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of motion sickness include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Pale skin
Cold sweats
Increased salivation
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Causes
Motion sickness is caused by conflicting signals sent to the brain from the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints. For example, inside a car, your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes, focused on a fixed point inside the car, tell your brain you're stationary. This sensory mismatch confuses the brain, leading to motion sickness.
Medicine Used
Medications commonly used to treat or prevent motion sickness include:
Antihistamines: Such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine). These are most effective when taken before travel.
Anticholinergics: Scopolamine patches, placed behind the ear, are prescribed and work best when applied several hours before travel.
Ginger: Some people find ginger capsules or ginger ale helpful in relieving nausea.
Is Communicable
No, motion sickness is not communicable. It is a physiological response to motion and sensory conflict, not caused by an infectious agent.
Precautions
To help prevent motion sickness, consider the following precautions:
Choose your seat wisely: When possible, sit where motion is felt least (e.g., front seat of a car, mid-ship on a boat, window seat on a plane).
Focus on the horizon: Looking at a stable point in the distance can help reduce sensory conflict.
Avoid reading or using electronic devices: These activities can worsen symptoms.
Get fresh air: Open a window or use an air vent.
Avoid strong odors or spicy/greasy foods: These can trigger nausea.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Take medication preventatively: If prone to motion sickness, take medication as directed before travel.
How long does an outbreak last?
Motion sickness symptoms usually subside relatively quickly once the motion stops. In most cases, symptoms disappear within a few hours. However, some people may experience lingering effects, such as fatigue or mild nausea, for up to a day.
How is it diagnosed?
Motion sickness is typically diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and history. A physical exam isn't usually necessary, unless there are concerns about other underlying medical conditions. The doctor will ask about travel history and triggers.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary, but it generally follows this pattern:
Early signs: Increased salivation, feeling warm, general discomfort.
Developing symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headache.
Peak symptoms: Vomiting, pale skin, cold sweats.
Recovery: Symptoms gradually decrease once the motion stops, typically resolving within hours.
Important Considerations
Children and pregnant women are often more susceptible to motion sickness.
Certain medical conditions (e.g., inner ear disorders, migraines) can increase the risk.
Consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent, or if you suspect an underlying medical condition is contributing.
Always follow medication instructions carefully, especially regarding timing and dosage.