Posted in Category : Common Ailments | January 13, 2010

Motion Sickness

The very term ‘motion sickness’ can bring back rather unpleasant memories for many people. While some people simply don’t see what the fuss is all about, motion sickness can spell trouble for so many others. In fact, the very smell of a car’s exhaust fumes, for instance, can trigger a feeling of nausea, thanks to the memory of motion sickness. The good news is that such sickness doesn’t have any threatening implication, although it can make travelling highly objectionable. It’s not just travelling which can become distasteful, since aside from the usual airplanes and cars, such motion sickness can even be triggered by amusement park rides. Not just this, but even simulators and videogames could cause the same. While this might seem strange, considering that you’re not actually moving, the problem arises from the fact that your eyes still see motion. Symptoms of motion sickness usually start with malaise and lead to vomiting. Signs include feeling nauseous and uneasy, sweating and even getting a headache. It’s typical to simply feel unwell, thanks to all that movement. Many people simply describe it as a queasy feeling.

Motion Sickness Causes

Motion sickness causes are rather sensory in nature. This means that it’s the result of unpredicted or contrary messages which are received by your brain from parts such as your eyes and inner ear. It has to do with your innate balance-sensing system. Contradicting messages, such as one part (say, your inner ear) sensing the motion and others (for example, your eyes) being unable to detect motion, sets off motion sickness. Motion sickness remedies typically vary. For instance, some might find relied in sucking on a lime, while even the sight of one might make another feel worse. To prevent motion sickness people resort to different measure such as consuming powdered ginger before getting on to that ship or other vehicle. Plan beforehand and choose seats on those parts of the vehicle that seem not to move as much. This is why the seats located next to the wings are so coveted on a plane. Motion sickness treatment means stemming the symptoms of nausea and malaise. Motion sickness cure includes eating light (or not at all), skipping reading and getting some fresh air. Even powerful odors can make someone suffering from motion sickness feel that bout of nausea. Remember that it’s best not to dwell on the motion sickness, once it hits, as it will make things worse.

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