Motion sickness can bring your travel experience to a grinding halt. Here’s what you can do to overcome & prevent it. Our urgent care is open 7 days a week.

You’re cruising down the interstate for a weekend trip, maybe heading to the beach or just taking the kids to visit family across town. But somewhere along the way, your stomach starts to turn, your head gets fuzzy, and suddenly, the fun takes a back seat. That’s motion sickness, and it’s more common than you think.

From car rides to roller coasters to virtual reality simulators at Wild Dimensions, motion sickness can strike in all sorts of situations. While there’s no cure, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent it from ruining your day.

Visit AFC Fountain City today.

Why Does Motion Sickness Happen?

Motion sickness is a response from your brain when it gets mixed signals about movement. Your inner ear says one thing, your eyes say another, and the confusion can lead to symptoms like:

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Dizziness 
• Sweating and pale skin 
• Headache

Some folks are more prone to it than others. You may be more likely to experience motion sickness if:

• You’re between ages 6 and 12 
• You’re pregnant 
• You suffer from vertigo 
• You have a family history of motion sickness

Fun fact: If one parent gets motion sick, their children have about a 50% chance of developing it too.

And while you might not outgrow it completely, symptoms can become less intense over time.

What Not to Do During Travel

Whether you’re on your way to swim lessons or just navigating Knoxville traffic, some habits can make things worse. Try to avoid:

• Heavy meals or strong-smelling food before hitting the road 
• Drinks that leave you feeling full or bloated 
• Reading, texting or scrolling through your phone 
• Smoking or being around nicotine 
• Traveling in bumpy conditions or poor visibility 
• Watching the scenery fly by through the side windows

What Can Help

A few small changes can make a big difference the next time you hit the road:

• If in a car: Sit in the front seat if you can and if not, try the middle back seat. 
• If in a plane: Sit toward the center of the plane near the wings 
• Keep your body and head still 
• Face forward while traveling 
• Fix your eyes on the horizon 
• Practice slow, deep breathing 
• Open a window or turn on the vents 
• Listen to relaxing music 
• Eat a small, light snack beforehand 
• Habituation: Allowing yourself to be exposed to motion sickness with the idea that your body will eventually become accustomed to motion and the symptoms will subside over time. 

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Still feeling queasy? These products can help manage or prevent motion sickness: 

• Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate): This motion sickness medication is available over the counter and comes in kid-friendly versions. For best results, take it about an hour before your trip. 
• Acupressure wristbands: These bands apply pressure to a specific point on your wrist and can help reduce nausea for both kids and adults.

You can find both at most pharmacies here in Knoxville, including spots near Fountain City. 

Wrapping it Up

Motion sickness usually fades after the motion stops, but if your symptoms linger or feel more intense than usual, you might want to get checked out. At AFC Fountain City, we’re here seven days a week to help you feel better. We accept walk-ins and most major insurances.

So whether you’re prepping for a road trip, heading out on the lake or just trying to get through a car ride without feeling queasy, we’re here to make the journey easier for you.