Motion Sickness

Motion sickness happens when the brain gets conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear and body — for example, the eyes see a still book while the inner ear senses a moving bus. It causes nausea, dizziness, cold sweat and vomiting. It's a normal, harmless reaction — not a disease.

Common triggers

• Long road journeys, especially in hilly areas — common on ghat roads.
• Bus, train, boat and aeroplane travel.
• Reading or using phones in a moving vehicle.
• Sitting in the back seat or facing backwards.
• Rough seas, amusement rides, simulators and VR.

Prevention strategies that actually work

• Sit in a stable position — front passenger seat in a car, over the wings on a plane, the middle of a boat.
• Look at the horizon or a distant fixed point; avoid reading or screens while moving.
• Open a window or direct fresh air at your face.
• Eat a light meal — not heavy, oily or spicy — before travelling. Avoid travelling on a completely empty stomach too.
• Avoid alcohol and strong smells.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Short breaks on long journeys.

If you are prone to motion sickness

• Over-the-counter motion-sickness tablets taken 30-60 minutes before travel help many people. They can cause drowsiness, so don't take them if you're driving. Ask a pharmacist for a suitable option.
• Acupressure wristbands help some people; little risk in trying.
• Ginger (as ginger tea, chews, or a small piece of fresh ginger) has some evidence and is safe.
• For severe cases — including children who vomit repeatedly on long trips — a Health Expert can suggest prescription options.

When to see a Health Expert

• Dizziness, nausea or spinning that persists off the vehicle.
• Motion sickness that suddenly becomes severe after not having it before.
• With hearing loss or ringing — may suggest an inner-ear problem.
• Vomiting in pregnancy that goes beyond typical motion sickness.