Do you feel dizzy when riding a bus or car? Let's talk about Motion Sickness!

Have you ever been on a bus, car, or boat and suddenly felt dizzy, nauseous, and sick? For some, this is a very familiar and disturbing experience. Even if you start out as a fun trip, this discomfort can ruin the entire trip. Today we are talking about this 'motion sickness', or medically known as motion sickness , that many people experience. This is not a dangerous illness, but only the person who experiences it knows how uncomfortable it feels at that time.

Why is this happening to us?

Simply put, motion sickness occurs when there is a conflict between the messages our senses send to our brain. Our eyes, muscles, and especially the inner ear send information to our brain about the environment we are in. When this information conflicts with each other, the brain becomes confused. Imagine you are sitting in the back seat of a car, looking at your phone.

• Because your eyes are looking at your phone, they send a message to your brain that "you are in one place, standing still."
• But your inner ear and body are very sensitive to the speed of the car, the way it takes turns, and the bumps in the road. So these senses tell the brain, "No, you're moving too fast."

Now the brain is receiving two conflicting messages. This confusion of messages causes the brain to become 'confused', and in response, you start to feel dizzy, break out in a cold sweat, feel nauseous, and vomit.

How are our ears and brains connected to this?

The inner ear is a major center for controlling our body's balance. We call this the vestibular system . This system consists of small fluid-filled canals and sacs. When we move our heads, this fluid moves with the movement. Through this, the brain constantly receives information about the position of our head. It also tells the brain whether we are standing or lying down through the gravity-sensitive parts. Normally, the brain collects all this data, analyzes it, and creates a complete picture that makes sense. But when there is a conflict between what we see with our eyes and what we hear with our ears, like when we are traveling, the brain cannot process these messages properly. The result of this confusing condition is Motion Sickness.

Who is most likely to see this condition?

Motion sickness can happen to anyone , but some people are more prone to it.

• Young children between the ages of 2 and 12
• Pregnant mothers
• People with migraines

The most important thing is that this is not a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another like a cold.

Commonly seen symptoms

Motion sickness can start suddenly. It can start with a slight discomfort and gradually increase.

What are some simple ways to reduce this discomfort?

Most of the time, these symptoms go away on their own once you get used to the journey or the journey is over. But if you're having a hard time waiting for them to go away, try these simple things.

• Look into the distance: Look at a stationary object (like a tree or mountain) in the direction of travel, away from the windshield. If you are on a boat, look at the horizon.
• Calm down: Take deep breaths. Closing your eyes also helps some people.
• Avoid reading: Definitely stop reading books, newspapers, and looking at your phone while traveling. This is the main reason that increases motion sickness.
• Get plenty of fresh air: Open a car window and let in fresh air. Avoid being around people who smoke , and don't smoke yourself.
• Food and Drink: Don't starve yourself before your trip, and don't eat too much. Eat a light meal. Avoid alcohol completely.
• Choose the best seat: If possible, choose a seat in the front seat of a car, in the middle of a bus, above the deck of a plane, or in the middle of the upper deck of a ship. These places are less prone to vibrations and movement.

Natural remedies

Some people also find relief from these things:

• Raw ginger: It's a popular remedy for nausea. However, ginger can thin the blood, so if you're taking medication for another condition (especially heart disease or diabetes ), be sure to talk to your doctor before using it.
• Mint (Mint): Some people find relief by chewing mint gum or inhaling the scent of mint.

Medicines and medical advice

If you are experiencing this discomfort frequently and severely, you can talk to your doctor about getting appropriate medication. While some of these medications are available over the counter, it is safest to take them under medical advice.

• Medications such as Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) are commonly used. These should be taken about an hour before travel.
• Scopolamine (Maldemar) is a patch that is applied behind the ear. It is effective for about 3 days if applied 4 hours in advance.

When should you see a doctor?

Motion sickness usually goes away on its own once the trip is over. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor.

• If you continue to feel dizzy or vomit even hours after your trip.
• If you have a severe headache .
• If you have chest pain .
• If you feel like your hearing is decreasing .
• If you have difficulty walking or have trouble maintaining balance.

In such a situation , see your doctor immediately to determine whether the symptoms are due to motion sickness or a sign of another serious medical condition. Motion sickness, Motion sickness, Dizziness, Vomiting, Travel discomfort, Vomiting on the bus, Dizziness