Travel sickness is also known as motion sickness. Travel sickness is a general term that incorporates seasickness, carsickness and airsickness depending on the mode of travel. The condition can cause the onset of several unpleasant symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are experienced when travelling. In the majority of cases the symptoms of travel sickness subside as the body adapts to the motions that cause the problem. Unfortunately, some sufferers are unable to adapt to the environment causing the condition so will continue to experience symptoms until their journey finishes or they leave said environment.

The vestibular system is a system in the body responsible for balance. It is comprised of a complex series of nerves, small channels and fluids that are located inside your inner ear. When the body is in motion, it causes the fluid inside the vestibular system to change position. This positional change is transmitted to the brain so that it is able to determine exactly how fast and where you are moving. This allows the body to maintain balance.

Motion sickness occurs when the body’s senses become confused. This confusion arises from conflicting information between the body’s other senses and the vestibular system. For example, if travelling in a car at forty miles an hour, your eyes register that you are in motion, travelling at speed. However, your vestibular system is telling your brain you are in fact sitting still. It’s this contradictory information that can lead to the symptoms of motion sickness.

In the majority of cases motion sickness is caused by travel, be that air, sea or land. However, motion sickness can sometimes occur from watching certain movies or playing fast-paced computer games. The shaking or motion of the camera work in some films, and the realistic graphics in computer games can generate the same mismatch of signals to the brain.

The main symptom associated with travel sickness is nausea. This can be accompanied by feelings of discomfort in the upper abdomen as well a general sense of feeling unwell. This symptoms can then progress and can include;

• Pale skin
• Cold sweat
• Increased saliva production
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In more severe cases symptoms can include; headaches, drowsiness, extreme tiredness and rapid, shallow breathing.

Diagnosing motion sickness will be result of observing the signs and symptoms and determining that they only occur when you are in motion. Most of the time motion sickness can be self-diagnosed without the need to see a doctor. If more severe symptoms occur, or if symptoms continue when motion has stopped, you should see a doctor for further investigation.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to help minimise and relieve the symptoms of travel sickness. These include:

• Trying to minimise head and body movements. If travelling by boat or plane then by choosing a cabin or seat situated in the middle of the craft, you will reduce the amount of movement suffered.
• Getting fresh air. Where safe and possible open a window or move to the top deck of a ship to allow for a supply of fresh air.
• Avoid eating large meals or drinking alcohol whilst travelling.
• Fix your vision on a stable object. For example, fix your vision on the horizon.
• Avoid reading and playing games as this can make the symptoms worse.
• Closing your eyes may help to relieve symptoms.
• Try to relax and stay calm. The more you worry about travel sickness the more likely you are to experience it.

There are various medicinal options available that can be used to treat travel sickness. These range from tablet and liquids to patches. If taking an oral medicine for motion sickness, it is recommended to take the medication before the journey. This is because travel sickness can slow normal digestion and therefore the body may not properly absorb medicine taken after the onset of symptoms. It may also be difficult to take medicine once nausea and sickness has set in.

Hyoscine is a widely used medicine used to treat travel sickness. It comes in both tablet form (Kwells & Joy Rides) and as an external patch (Scopoderm). Hyoscine works by blocking some of the nerve signals sent from the vestibular system to the brain. If using Kwells or Joy Rides the tablets will need to be taken before travel.

If embarking on a longer journey, Scopoderm patches will be a more suitable option. Scopoderm Patches can be applied to the skin and will continue to work for three days before the patch will need to be replaced. Scopoderm patches are suitable for use when nausea and sickness has already set in as they can be applied directly to the skin without the need to swallow medication.

Antihistamines can also be used to treat travel sickness as they are effective at controlling the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. There are several different types of antihistamine that are suitable in the treatment of motion sickness, these include:

• Cyclizine
• Cinnarizine (Stugeron Tablets)
• Promethazine (Phenergan Tablets, Avomine Tablets)

Antihistamines are usually taken two hours before travelling. If it’s a long journey, the dose will need to be repeated after eight hours. You should check the individual dose for each product before taking any treatment.

Non-medicinal treatments are also available, for example acupressure bands (Sea-bands). These fabric bands are worn around the wrists and work by applying pressure to certain point that lie between the two tendons that run down your inner arm. This pressure is thought to help reduce the symptoms of travel sickness.