Don’t let motion sickness ruin your plans. Here’s a list of our best tips & tricks to prevent & cope with motion sickness. Visit us for fast, same-day care.
Whether you’re braving the Charlotte traffic, taking the family to the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, or just going for a summer drive with the windows down, motion sickness can hit when you least expect it.
It’s more common than you might think, and while it’s not dangerous, it can absolutely derail your day. The good news? There are simple ways to help prevent that queasy, dizzy feeling before it starts.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness happens when your brain gets conflicting messages about movement. For example, your inner ear might feel motion, but your eyes say you’re sitting still. That sensory mismatch can lead to symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Headache
- Pale skin
- General discomfort
Certain groups tend to be more sensitive to motion, including kids between ages 6 and 12, pregnant women, and people who experience vertigo. Genetics also plays a role, if one of your parents struggles with motion sickness, there’s a good chance you might, too.
Most people don’t completely outgrow motion sickness, but symptoms often become milder with age.
What to Avoid
If you’re planning a day trip through Iredell County or heading out for a boat ride on the lake, here are a few things to skip to help avoid that uneasy feeling:
- Eating greasy or heavy meals before the trip
- Drinking beverages that leave you feeling full or bloated
- Being around strong odors, like certain foods or perfumes
- Reading or using your phone during the ride
- Smoking or being exposed to nicotine
- Riding in rough conditions or with limited visibility
- Looking out the side windows instead of forward
How You Can Feel Better
Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help keep motion sickness under control, so you can enjoy the ride, not dread it:
- Keep your body and head still during travel
- Focus on a steady point outside, like the road or horizon
- Open a window or aim the air vents toward you
- Breathe deeply and calmly
- Listen to music you find soothing
- Eat a light meal beforehand, nothing too heavy or rich
In vehicles:
- Sit in the front passenger seat or in the middle of the back with a clear view ahead
In planes:
- When possible, choose a seat near the center of the plane by the wings.
If you need a little extra help, some over-the-counter options can make a big difference:
- Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate): Works best when taken about an hour before travel. There’s also a version made just for kids.
- Acupressure wristbands: These apply pressure to a point on your wrist and may help ease nausea.
Both are easy to find at your local Mooresville pharmacy or convenience store.
When in Doubt
Unfortunately, motion sickness is unstoppable sometimes and even the best laid plans can sometimes fail. If your ride goes unplanned and that headache starts to form, here’s what to do.
- Take Dramamine: If you haven’t already taken it, do so at the first sign of sickness.
- Drink fluids: Take small sips of water or electrolyte drinks, they can settle a queasy stomach.
- Bring cleanup supplies: Always bring a sick bag or know where to find one if on a plane or ship.
Still Feeling Off? Stop By AFC
Motion sickness usually goes away once the movement stops, but if the symptoms linger or keep coming back, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
At AFC Mooresville, our clinic has extended and holiday hours because we want to be available when your family needs us. Whether it’s motion sickness or something else causing your discomfort, we’ll help get you back on the path of fun and relaxation.
