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Feeling Queasy on the Go? Here's How to Treat Motion Sickness Fast
Published: Jan 25, 2024
Motion sickness can strike unexpectedly, turning a pleasant journey into a miserable experience. But don't worry - there are several ways to manage symptoms and find relief quickly.
First Aid for Motion Sickness
When motion sickness hits, the first step is to minimize movement. If possible, stop the vehicle or move to a more stable part of a ship. Focus on the horizon or a fixed point in the distance to help your brain make sense of the motion. Taking slow, deep breaths can also help calm your stomach and reduce nausea. It's like hitting a reset button for your senses.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can provide quick relief from motion sickness symptoms. These medications work by suppressing the inner ear's response to motion. However, they can cause drowsiness, so use caution if you need to stay alert. For a non-drowsy option, try ginger supplements or candies, which have natural anti-nausea properties. It's like having a medicine cabinet specifically for motion sickness.
Natural Remedies to Try
Acupressure bands, which apply pressure to a point on the inner wrist, may help relieve nausea for some people. Aromatherapy with peppermint or lavender essential oils can also be soothing. Sipping on ginger ale or peppermint tea can settle your stomach. These natural remedies are like gentle, holistic approaches to calming your body's response to motion.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most cases of motion sickness can be managed with self-care, severe or persistent symptoms may require medical attention. If vomiting is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's best to consult a healthcare provider. They may prescribe stronger medications or recommend other treatments. It's like having a backup plan when your usual strategies aren't enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most start working within 30-60 minutes; take them before travel if possible.
Patches are more for prevention; they take hours to start working.
Consult a healthcare provider before combining medications or treatments.
Some VR programs claim to help, but more research is needed.
Some find them helpful, but scientific evidence is mixed.
Your Toolkit for Comfortable Travel
With these treatment options at your disposal, you can tackle motion sickness symptoms quickly and effectively.
References
- Murdin L, Golding J, Bronstein A. Managing motion sickness. BMJ 2011; 343:d7430.
- Spinks A, Wasiak J. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; 2011:CD002851.
- Lien HC, Sun WM, Chen YH, et al. Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2003; 284:G481.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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