Holidays have finally arrived, but the journey to the chosen destination is not always a source of joy and anxious waiting. Many, in fact, accuse nausea and a sense of vertigo during the movements. Here are some tips to combat travel sickness.
Travel sickness - also known by the medical term «motion sickness» - is a combination of symptoms related to a disorder that involves a sense of balance. In spite of the name, it is not a disease, but a normal and harmless reaction of our body: the various sensory organs continuously send different signals to the brain about the position and the movement of our body as well as the movements that take place in the body. surrounding environment. During long journeys onboard transportation such as cars, trains, ships or airplanes, there may be a conflict between the different sensory perceptions, so that the brain finds itself processing conflicting information. Frequent symptoms are dizziness, headache, cold sweat, and nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Travel sickness is widespread. The most affected are children between the ages of two and twelve. In principle, however, the disorder can occur in any person with a healthy balance organ.
Various measures can be taken to prevent travel sickness.
By car
If you suffer from car sickness, you should preferably sit next to the driver or in the middle on the back seat. Aim forwards and fix distant objects through the windshield. Avoid activities that force you to look down, such as reading. In addition, the driver should be careful to keep a pace that is as constant as possible and to avoid paths full of bends. It is important to take frequent and regular breaks to get some fresh air. Resting your feet on the ground has a stabilizing effect on the balance organ.
On the train
In this case, choose a seat next to the window in the direction of travel and look at a fixed point on the horizon. Since traveling by train is not possible to take breaks in the open air, it is advisable to walk up and down the corridor.
By ship
The central part of the ship is the most suitable area for those suffering from seasickness; in case of nausea, try to stay on the bridge in the open air or near the water level. In fact, on the lower floors, the oscillations are felt with less intensity. On the deck, you can fix your gaze on the horizon.
By plane
For those suffering from air sickness, places near the wing or those in the front rows are recommended, preferably next to the corridor. In this way, it is possible to move a few steps from time to time.
Food
It is important to eat something before leaving. Make sure your stomach is neither too full nor too empty; otherwise travel sickness will make you feel even stronger. The ideal is a low-fat meal, such as a salad or a sandwich. Avoid taking alcoholic beverages from the day before the trip. Caffeine also has a negative effect.
Medicaments
There are several medicaments useful against travel sickness, for example, chewing-gum with antihistamines. If you give them to children, make sure they are suitable for their age group.