What is Motion Sickness

Some people are more subject than others to suffering from motion sickness, a disorder that affects balance and equilibrium.

If you are subject to motion sickness:

Always ride where your eyes will see the same motion that your body and inner ears feel, e.g. sit in the front seat of the car and look at the distant scenery, go up on the deck of the ship and watch the horizon, sit by the window of the airplane and look outside. In an airplane choose a seat over the wings where the motion is the least.

• Do not read while traveling.
• Do not sit in a seat facing backward.
• Do not watch or talk to another traveler who is having motion sickness.
• Avoid strong odors and spicy or greasy foods immediately before and during your travel.
• Talk to your doctor about medications.

Some of these medications can be purchased without a prescription (i.e., Dramamine®, Bonine®, Marezine®, etc.) Stronger medicines such as tranquilizers and nervous system depressants will require a prescription from your physician. Some are used in pill or suppository form.

Remember: Most cases of dizziness and motion sickness are mild and self-treatable disorders. But, severe cases and those that become progressively worse, deserve the attention of a physician with specialized skills in diseases of the ear, nose, throat, equilibrium, and neurological systems.

ENT & Allergy
06/02/2010

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