Motion sickness is what some people experience when traveling by car, train, plane or ship. It occurs when the brain senses movement by receiving information from the inner ear, eyes, and nerves in the joints and muscles; when this information is contradictory, dizziness or nausea occur. Anyone can suffer from motion sickness, but it is more common in women, children, older adults, pregnant women, people with migraines or patients with labyrinthine pathology. This time, Dr. Ramón Tirado, an ENT doctor at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the subject.

Symptoms

Symptoms of motion sickness include:

• Paleness
• Sweating
• Discomfort
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Throwing up

Tips to avoid motion sickness

This is a very frequent problem and although it is not serious it can become very uncomfortable. Therefore, our specialist gives us some tips to cope with dizziness and nausea when traveling.

1. Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon while traveling, focused on objects ahead
2. Do not overeat before traveling
3. Keep the car ventilated
4. Do not drink alcohol or smoke before the trip
5. In case of traveling with small children, it is advisable to travel during their nap or distract them, talking to them, singing, listening to music, among other activities

On the other hand, there are medications to prevent motion sickness, which can be taken orally or placed as patches. Remember that if the discomfort does not decrease, you should ask a specialist.

Dr. Ramón Tirado
ENT at Clínica Ricardo Palma