What You Must Know About Sea Sickness!

 

 

 

When feeling motion but not seeing it (for example, in a ship with no windows), the inner ear transmits to the brain that it senses motion, but the eyes tell the brain that everything is still. 

 

Motion sickness or Kinetosis is a condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the vestibular system's sense of movement. 

 

Motion sickness, sometimes referred to as sea sickness or car sickness, is a very common disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by repeated motion. Motion sickness starts with the inner ear, your balance center. 

 

 

 

Motion sickness on the sea can result from being in the berth of a rolling boat without being able to see the horizon. Motion sickness is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or menstruation, but in general little is known about individual susceptibility. Motion sickness is not in your head; it's in your brain, say Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers who study "space sickness" in astronauts. 

 

 

 

Motion sickness can start suddenly, with a queasy feeling and cold sweats. Motion sickness may quiet down as soon as the motion stops. Motion sickness is easier to prevent than to eliminate once it has begun.  

 

About 33% of people are susceptible to motion sickness even in mild circumstances such as being on a boat in calm water, although nearly 66% of people are susceptible in more severe conditions. Many people experience motion sickness when riding on a boat or ship, and this is called seasickness even though it is the same disorder. In addition, even anticipating movement can cause anxiety and symptoms of motion sickness. 

 

 

 

Dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are the most common symptoms of motion sickness. Motion sickness begins with epigastria discomfort, often described as "stomach awareness," which is usually accompanied by increased salivation, eructation, and a feeling of bodily warmth. 

 

Some researchers suggest that there is another, distinct syndrome of motion sickness that lacks these gastrointestinal complaints and is instead characterized by drowsiness, headache, apathy, depression, and generalized discomfort. 

 

 

 

 

Recent ingestion of food, particularly dairy products and foods high in sodium, protein, or calories, has been associated with increased susceptibility. There seems to be a strong psychological component to motion sickness as well.  Elderly passengers tend to be more resistant to motion sickness and may not require medication. 

 

 

 

The scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop), which is applied every three days to the skin behind the ear, is recommended for longer periods of motion (greater than 6 hours), such as cruises and other boat rides. Herbal remedies and over-the-counter products can help treat mild discomfort; however, prescription strength medicine may be needed by persons who tend to develop nausea and vomiting. 

 

According to the CDC's information on motion sickness, non-pharmacologic methods for motion sickness may benefit some people but have not been proven to have consistent efficacy, although high levels of ginger have been helpful for some. If none of this works at preventing motion sickness, taking a Dramamine before a long trip is recommended. Antihistamines both prevent and treat motion sickness. 

 

Antihistamines used for the prevention of motion sickness include oral dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, promethazine, meclizine, and cyclizine.  Severe motion sickness may be treated with promethazine (Phenergan), which is more likely than the above mentioned regimens to cause decreased alertness.

 

 

 

General advice for avoiding motion sickness is eating a light meal no less than 3 hours before exposure. Avoid dairy products and foods high in protein, calories, or sodium before exposure. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and disagreeable odors. Increase ventilation or exposure to cool, fresh air.  Avoid visual stimuli (e.g., reading, watching videos).

 

Focus on a stable horizon or external object. Limit head movements. Stay in central location on ship. Lie in supine position. Motion sickness is an exceedingly common disorder about which primary care physicians are likely to be consulted for advice and treatment. Eliminate or decrease use of products that impair circulation. Avoid salty foods and dairy products before air travel.  Do not read while traveling if you are subject to motion sickness, and do not sit in a seat facing backward. Do not watch or talk to another traveler who is having motion sickness. 

 

Take one of the varieties of motion sickness medicines before your travel begins, as recommended by your physician. Generally, small frequent meals are recommended for individuals prone to motion sickness. Anxiety about motion sickness before a trip can be a real factor in both bringing on an attack and its severity. 

 

Unfortunately, unlike other sicknesses, there are no annual shots to improve immunity to motion sickness. Prevention is best accomplished by seeking areas of lesser movement in an interior location of a large ship or by facing forward and looking outside a ship or plane.  Preventing motion sickness is easier than treating it once it has begun. In the night, or in a ship without windows, it is helpful to simply close one's eyes, or if possible, take a nap. 

 

 

 

When taking a boat ride or cruise, motion sickness is more common when the person is below deck without access to a view of the water. 

 

 

 

Do not let the discomfort of motion sickness disrupt your travel plans. With a few simple steps, you may be able to prevent motion sickness from developing in the first place or help quell your queasiness once it's begun. Remember, the first step to controlling motion sickness is to realize what is wrong with you and deal with that, not concentrate on how sick you may be feeling. 

 

 

Next, Discover What Type of Electrical Outlets Your Ship Has?

 

 

The Captain

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