Car (motion) sickness is a common problem faced by many people
today; young and old. Motion sickness is caused by a disagreement
between the eyes and the inner ear. The inner ear tells the brain
that the body is moving but the eyes say that the body is
motionless. This conflict leads to the many symptoms of motion
sickness. Though there is no cure for this problem, there are some
ways to make it less unpleasant.
How to Deal With Car Sickness
Car (motion) sickness is a common problem faced by many people today; young and old. Motion sickness is caused by a disagreement between the eyes and the inner ear. The inner ear tells the brain that the body is moving but the eyes say that the body is motionless. This conflict leads to the many symptoms of motion sickness. Though there is no cure for this problem, there are some ways to make it less unpleasant.
Steps
- Prevent Car Sickness. If you know you are likely to get car sick, there are several ways you can prevent it. There are many over-the-counter medicines available with the drug Dramamine. A very effective way to prevent car sickness is the herb ginger. Ginger is available in many forms from cookies to soda (ginger ale). Sitting closer towards the front of the car and keeping your eyes facing forward can also help prevent car sickness. Also, if you have a history of car sickness, Always carry a plastic bag, such as a resealable Ziplock bag. If the route you will be taking involves driving down curvy roads, plan for time to take breaks.
- Determine the degree to which you are sick. When car sickness first emerges, it is characterized by slight nausea or dizziness. As it gets more and more severe, other symptoms appear such as increased nausea/dizziness, headaches, hotness, watering of the mouth, and eventually, vomiting. Watering of the mouth occurs minutes before vomiting so be prepared to take action if you suddenly have more saliva in your mouth.
- Respond to your sickness. One of the best overall "cures" for car sickness is fresh air. Simply rolling down a window can chase away most feelings of sickness. Taking ginger or Dramamine pills during sickness will help to a certain extent, but are better taken beforehand. If you are about to vomit, try to do so into a container of some sort. Plastic bags are probably the best choice here, but if you do not have any around, any sort of container will do, including grocery bags, bottles, or whatever else will do. Avoid vomiting in the car at all costs. Vomiting out of the window can be a rather unpleasant experience for both you and the cars behind you and will often leave a huge mess to clean up on the back of the car you are riding in.
- Clean up if necessary. Vomit contains many stomach acids, which are highly corrosive and can permanently damage many surfaces so clean up should be performed immediately. Use cleaner recommended for the surfaces that need to be cleaned (ex. leather, carpet, etc.). If the vomit is in a bag or something of the sort, find a trash can, don't litter.
Tips
- Try to prevent car sickness at all costs
- Always notify the driver when you begin feeling sick.
- Be prepared!
Warnings
- Avoid closing your mouth when vomiting, it will end up coming through your nose.
- Clean up immediately! Stomach acids can damage your car!
Things You'll Need
- Dramamine pills or Ginger
- Plastic bags
- Cleaner for various car surfaces
