Many people experience dizziness and vomiting while traveling by car, bus, plane or train. In fact this is caused by motion sickness. This problem can happen to anyone from children to adults. Many times people dread traveling due to motion sickness.
So today we In work news Let's talk about motion sickness and also know that-
- What is motion sickness and why does it happen?
- Which people are at higher risk of motion sickness?
- What are the things to be aware of to avoid motion sickness?
Expert: Dr. Urvi Maheshwari, Physician, Genova Shelby Hospital (Mumbai)
Q- What is motion sickness?
Answer- Motion sickness is not a disease. This is simply a condition in which the body's central nervous system becomes confused. While the body is sitting still in one place, but due to sitting in the vehicle it also moves. In such a situation, the brain gets confusing signals as to whether the body is stationary or moving. This can happen while sitting in a car, plane, bus or ship. Some people may also suffer from virtual motion sickness (VMS) while playing video games and virtual reality games.
Question: Why does motion sickness occur? Answer- When our body is moving, the brain receives signals from the eyes, joints and inner ear about the position of our body at that moment. But when the signals from any one of these three are disrupted or uncoordinated, the brain cannot recognize movement properly, causing motion sickness.
Think of it this way that while traveling, the objects around our eyes appear static, when we look out the window, everything appears to be moving. Similarly, the inner ear and muscles perceive that you are sitting still, while the eyes perceive that you are moving. Receiving two different types of signals confuses the brain. This causes nausea, vomiting or dizziness.
Q- What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
Answer- Generally, symptoms of motion sickness can start immediately after traveling or at any time during the journey. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people's symptoms may be mild, while others' symptoms may be more severe.
Understand the symptoms of motion sickness from the graphic below.
Q- Which people are more prone to motion sickness?
Answer : Although anyone can develop motion sickness, some people are at higher risk. such as-
- Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are more susceptible to motion sickness because the ability to coordinate between their brain and visual system is not fully developed.
- Hormonal changes occur in women's bodies during pregnancy. Because of this, pregnant women are also more likely to suffer from motion sickness.
- People suffering from health conditions like migraines, anxiety, stress are more prone to motion sickness.
- People who are not used to traveling long distances can also suffer from motion sickness.
- People traveling by boat or flight are more susceptible to motion sickness because these things move so quickly.
- Most people who consume alcohol or drugs suffer from motion sickness.
- Poor ventilation in the vehicle can also cause motion sickness.
Question- Motion sickness can occur in any fast moving vehicle. Which seat is better to sit in this situation?
Answer: Choosing the right seat is very important to reduce the effects of motion sickness. The following graphic gives some suggestions, which you can keep in mind to reduce the problem of motion sickness.
Q- Is there any treatment for motion sickness? How can its symptoms be controlled?
Answer- Symptoms of motion sickness cannot be completely eliminated, but with the help of some tips you can definitely reduce the risk of it.
Get fresh air: If you are in a car, bus or train, open your windows and let in fresh air. It will reduce the feeling of motion sickness. While in flight, keep the air vent or overhead vent facing you. Vents circulate air through the cabin, which makes it feel a little better.
Change your gaze: If you are reading something on a book, phone or tablet, turn it off. Don't look at things too closely. Try to see distant objects, views.
Lie back: Pull back the seat and close your eyes. This stabilizes the body, which reduces instability caused by motion sickness.
Eat peppermint or ginger candies: Can eat candy to feel better. In fact, peppermint contains a compound called menthol, while ginger contains a compound called gingerol. Both of these things soothe the digestive system and reduce the feeling of nausea.
Take a break: If you play video or virtual reality games while traveling, this can also cause nausea or virtual motion sickness. It would be better not to play any game. Close your eyes, tilt your head and relax.
Question: What preparations should be made before traveling by bus, car etc. with motion sickness?
Answer: The best way to prevent motion sickness is to avoid the situations that cause it. For this, some steps can be taken before travelling. See graphic below-
Q- What are the things to keep in mind while traveling on the road with motion sickness?
Answer- If a person suffers from motion sickness then he should consult his doctor once before travelling.
Apart from this, you can follow the points given in the graphic below.
By paying attention to these little things, you can reduce the symptoms of motion sickness and make your commute more comfortable.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
