Overview
Motion sickness is the queasy, unwell feeling some people get while travelling by car, bus, train, boat or plane. It happens when the balance organs of the inner ear sense movement that the eyes do not, confusing the brain. It is common in children and usually harmless, settling once the journey ends. Simple steps like looking at the horizon, sitting where movement is least, and, when needed, travel-sickness medicines make journeys far more comfortable.
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting during travel
- Cold sweats and paleness
- Dizziness and a general feeling of being unwell
- Increased saliva
- Headache and tiredness
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if motion sickness is severe, happens without travel, or comes with a bad headache, hearing changes or unsteadiness at other times.
Causes
A mismatch between the movement felt by the inner ear and what the eyes see, made worse by reading, stuffy air and strong smells during travel.