The summer break is just around the corner and this means an opportunity to travel to new and exciting destinations. Unfortunately, if you suffer from motion sickness what should be an enjoyable experience can turn into an ordeal.
For those who suffer from this condition know from experience that it can strike suddenly and progress from a feeling of discomfort to cold sweats, dizziness and then vomiting. Rather than allow this unpleasant condition to affect your travel plans, a few simple measures can help you have an incident free trip.
Perhaps the best way to counter motion sickness is to sit in those seats where motion is felt the least. For example, when traveling by car, either drive or sit in the front set. If you plan to travel by train a forward facing window seat near the front will help reduce the effects of motion sickness. When flying, ask for a seat overlooking the edge of a wing and once seated direct the air vent flow to your face. If you are planning a cruise this summer, reserve a cabin located in front or middle of the ship or on the upper deck.
Here are steps to help you cope with motion sickness.
- Focus on the horizon or a distant, stationary object. Don’t read; don’t overeat.
- Place your head against a head rest and keep it sill.
- Don’t smoke or sit near smokers.
- Avoid spicy and greasy food before and during your journey.
- If you feel queasy eat dry crackers or drink a carbonated beverage to settle your stomach. Alternatively, chew on raw ginger or drink some ginger tea to help ease the symptoms.
- Eating pickles or chutneys made of alu
- If you are going on a short journey barely water (aab-jao) and fruit juices are also helpful.
Having tried these remedial measures, if you still find that you are still unable to counter the effects of motion sickness, take an over the counter antihistamine or one containing dimenhydrinate at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel. Patches are also available which you can apply behind your ear for 72 hour protection. Talk to your doctor before suing the medication if you have health problems, such as asthma, glaucoma or urine retention.
Motion sickness usually subsides as soon as he motion stops and the more you travel, the more easily you will adapt to being in motion. A word of caution for parents, children between the ages of four and 12 are particularly prone to motion sickness.
By Atab Saeed
The writer is Research Professor, HIASR, Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Karachi
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