Travel Sickness

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and helping control the muscles that keep mammals upright. It works in conjunction with the eyes in sending messages to the brain, which in turn are interpreted and relayed to the appropriate muscles in order for balance to be maintained. Travel sickness is when this process is interrupted and distorted by the information sent from the eyes and inner ear, specifically when one of the two sets of messages contradict each other i.e. what is seen in terms of motion is not the same as what's felt or vice versa. Motion sickness can also be caused when both systems fail to correspond. The result is the feeling of nausea and sickness. Travel sickness is usually associated with travelling by car; however, it can also be caused by air travel, as well as seasickness.

As the condition is caused by mixed communication between the eyes and vestibular system to the brain, it's believed that travel sickness is a natural response designed to actually help protect the body, in particular a perceived threat the brain interprets from the two different messages it's receiving. The response is a simple defence mechanism against potential neurotoxins. The brain, because of the communication breakdown, simply believes that one of the two systems may be hallucinating as a result of poison ingestion, thus inducing the body to vomit it out and protect itself.

Listed below are the symptoms associated with travel sickness:

• Feelings of discomfort in the abdomen
• An increased feeling of being unwell
• Pale skin
• Dizziness
• Cold sweat
• Increased saliva in the mouth
• Vomiting
• Shallow breathing
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Drowsiness

Prescription medication

There are prescription medications that can help treat travel sickness but because motion sickness delays digestion, it's normally taken before symptoms are actually experienced rather than once they have started. These medications work by blocking various signals to the brain and helping the difference in communication of the eyes and vestibular system not cause the body to respond with nausea and vomiting.

Home remedies

Although prescription medications are tested by medical professionals to be the most effective form of treatment against travel sickness, certain remedies may help. Not all remedy options are guaranteed to help you, therefore some trial-and-error may be required when trying out various remedies for travel sickness. Popular remedies can include ginger, acupuncture (e.g. travel sickness wrist bands) and by simply keeping hydrated. It is recommended that for the best chance possible at successfully treating travel sickness, you should take prescription medication alongside one or more of these natural remedies.

Motion sickness may not be entirely preventable, but there are some techniques that may help relieve some of the symptoms. This includes:

• Limiting the amount of movement, by sitting down or using a pillow or headrest to help keep your head still.
• Focus your sight on the horizon.
• Get plenty of fresh air.
• Eating and drinking small quantities while trying to remain as calm as possible whilst travelling.

Travel sickness (motion sickness) is a common condition that can affect individuals whilst travelling via various modes of transport. The symptoms associated with travel sickness can be successfully treated with medication. This will make both short haul and long haul journeys far more comfortable for you, whether it is by train, plane, boat or car. Medication, such as Avomine tablets, Scopoderm patches and Kwells pills, are available to buy at OnlineClinic as an effective method of prevention and treatment for travel sickness. To order one of these medications, simply complete a quick online consultation. This can be completed for free with no obligation at OnlineClinic. For more information visit our Avomine, Scopoderm and Kwells product pages.