Motion Sickness

What is it? 
 Nausea caused by motion. 
 Symptoms: 
 
 
 Fatigue 
 
 
 Cold sweats 
 
 
 Headache 
 
 
 Irritability 
 
 
 Pale skin 
 
 
 Rapid breathing 
 
 
 Dizziness 
 
 
 Vomiting 
 
 
 Nausea 
 
 
 Plan of Action: 
 Usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion. 
 If you're susceptible to motion sickness: 
 
 
 Focus on the horizon  or on a distant, stationary object. Don't read or use electronic devices while traveling. 
 
 
 Keep your head still,  while resting against a seat back. 
 
 
 Don't smoke  and don't sit near smokers. 
 
 
 Avoid strong odors,  spicy and greasy foods, and alcohol. 
 
 
 Take an antihistamine, which you can buy without a prescription. Medicines include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Driminate, others) and meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Travel-Ease, others). Take these medicines at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel. Expect drowsiness as a side effect. 
 
 
 Consider scopolamine,  available in a prescription adhesive patch called Transderm Scop. Several hours before you plan to travel, apply the patch behind your ear for 72-hour protection. Talk to your health care provider before using the medicine if you have health problems such as glaucoma or urine retention. 
 
 
 Try ginger. A ginger supplement combined with ginger snaps, ginger ale, or candied ginger might help curb nausea. 
 
 
 Eat lightly.  Some people find that nibbling on plain crackers and sipping cold water or a carbonated drink without caffeine help.