Managing motion sickness

Of course, riding in a one-horse open sleigh had the travelers of long ago laughing all the way. With open-air seats and smooth gliding runners, those enchanting vehicles might not have invited carsickness. But as today’s holidayers hurry to grandma’s house aboard planes, trains and automobiles, managing motion sickness can make you a Scrooge.

[caption id="attachment_11875" align="alignright" width="216"] Roper St. Francis Healthcare physician Dr. Dawn Corso[/caption]

“Motion sickness hits if the three systems that keep the body in balance aren’t effectively communicating,” explains Roper St. Francis Healthcare physician Dr. Dawn Corso. When your eyes, inner ears, muscles and joints send conflicting information, the brain can’t decide whether your body is in motion or standing still. Cue the ill feeling.

Symptoms may start subtly — with a watering mouth, cold sweats, elevated body temperature, yawning, drowsiness or heartburn — before reaching full-blown nausea. And while travel operators kindly provide vomit bags, we’d prefer not to need them. So, we asked Dr. Corso for her tips on keeping spirits bright (and stomachs right) during the upcoming holiday travel season.

10 of the best ways to avoid motion sickness

1. In a car, be the driver or sit in the front seat when possible.
2. Face forward, and keep your eyes fixed on the horizon.
3. Lean into the motion of the vehicle.
4. Choose airplane seats closest to the wing.
5. Recline as far as your seat allows and close your eyes.
6. Avoid alcohol 24 to 48 hours prior to travel.
7. Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte beverages.
8. Don’t travel on an empty stomach, but choose bland snacks over rich, fried or fatty foods.
9. Learn your triggers, such as reading or watching a screen while in motion.
10. Talk to your doctor about preventive medications prior to travel. Options include a behind-the-ear patch that lasts a few days, over-the-counter antihistamines or an oral prescription. Be sure to try new medications several days before traveling, so you’ll be aware of any side effects, such as headache, blurry vision, dry mouth or drowsiness.

Conventional advice on how to combat the queasiness also includes tricks like applying pressure to the inner wrists, sniffing peppermint oil and sucking on ginger candy. “While these methods haven’t been proven effective through medical studies, they also won’t do any harm,” says Dr. Corso. “If one of these strategies helps relax you, go for it.”

If you're experiencing persistent travel-related nausea or have concerns about motion sickness, talk to your primary care doctor. If you need of a doctor referral, simply call (843) 402-CARE to connect with a healthcare professional who can guide you towards the care you need.