Motion Sickness
Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and headache triggered by motion during travel by road, water, or air. Experts believe that symptoms start in a part of the ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It may be that when too much visual information during motion floods the inner ear, signals are relayed to the brain which in turn trigger motion sickness signals.
Prevention
Oral medications (such as Dramamine or bonamine), or medicated patches worn behind the ear, can prevent motion sickness. However, a doctor should be consulted before these products are used on children. Once symptoms develop, these medications do not usually work.
When traveling by boat, children are less likely to experience a problem if they remain above deck where the horizon can be seen. To prevent a problem when traveling by car, parents should:
• give the child a small carbohydrate snack before starting the trip (an empty stomach increases the risk of a problem)
• allow the child to sit high enough to see the road
• have the child either look straight out in front of the car, or focus on the horizon
• be sure the car is well ventilated
Prevention
Oral medications (such as Dramamine or bonamine), or medicated patches worn behind the ear, can prevent motion sickness. However, a doctor should be consulted before these products are used on children. Once symptoms develop, these medications do not usually work.
When traveling by boat, children are less likely to experience a problem if they remain above deck where the horizon can be seen. To prevent a problem when traveling by car, parents should:
• give the child a small carbohydrate snack before starting the trip (an empty stomach increases the risk of a problem)
• allow the child to sit high enough to see the road
• have the child either look straight out in front of the car, or focus on the horizon
• be sure the car is well ventilated
Posted in Health and Wellness
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