Q-We are off again, traveling to visit our family, but that means I must put up with all the discomforts of motion sickness that have plagued me for years.
Why does this happen, and is there really anything you can do about it to prevent this annoying and sometimes embarrassing state of affairs?
A-When the discomfort of nausea, and even vomiting, strike during a voyage, all the pleasures of the trip may be totally destroyed. It occurs when our sense of balance and the body clues that keep us oriented in space become confused.
Our eyes tell us nothing is moving, but the delicate mechanism of the inner ear (also called the labyrinth) knows better, as it perceives the motion of the plane or vehicle we are riding in.
Each sends a different message to the brain; conflicting stories which cannot be coordinated in a sensible way.
That results in the feelings of queasiness that may progress to a true motion sickness. “Motion sickness” is the single term that incorporates sea sickness, air sickness and car sickness, as they are all the result of the same mechanisms.
A knowledge of these mechanisms provides us with some action guidelines that may prevent the sickness from occurring.
Sit in a seat where your eyes can observe the motion that your body is feeling. That means a window seat in a plane or car.
Looking at the passing scenery while you travel will prevent conflict in the messages being sent to your brain.
Don’t read as you travel, and always sit in a seat that is facing the direction of travel. Eating before a trip is unwise, particularly heavy, greasy or spicy food.
If someone near you is being sick, try to change your seat, for the stimulation of such an experience may provoke the same condition in your delicate system.
Many over-the-counter medications are effective if taken properly and long enough before your trip starts.
Ask your physician or pharmacist for advice. With all these precautions, your trip should be a pleasant one.
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Write to Dr. Bruckheim in care of the Chicago Tribune, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.
