What is Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can happen when you travel in a boat, car, or airplane, or when you go on an amusement park ride. You may:

• Feel dizzy.
• Feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• Throw up (vomit).
• Be sweaty.
• Have belly (abdominal) pain.
• Be pale.

These problems usually go away when the motion stops. For some people, problems may last for hours or days. There are things that you can do to help prevent motion sickness.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take or use over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you use a motion sickness patch, wash your hands right after you put the patch on.

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
• While having motion sickness, take small sips of liquids often. Keeping enough fluid in your body (staying hydrated) may help relieve or prevent problems.
• Do not eat large meals before or during travel. If you are traveling far, eat small, plain meals.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during travel.

When riding in a moving vehicle:

• Sit where the least amount of motion is happening.
  • On an airplane, sit near the wing. Lie back in your seat if you can.
  • On a boat, sit near the middle.
  • In a car, sit in the front seat. Avoid the back seat.
• Breathe slowly and deeply.
• Do not read or focus on nearby things such as your phone.
• Try watching the horizon or a distant object. This is especially helpful when you are on a boat. In a car, ride in the front seat and look out the front window.
• Get some fresh air if you can. Open a window when you are riding in a car.

General instructions

• If possible, avoid activities that cause motion sickness.
• Do not smoke before or during travel. Avoid areas where people are smoking.
• Plan ahead for travel. Ask your doctor if you should take medicines to help prevent motion sickness.

Contact a doctor if:

• You still throw up or feel sick to your stomach after 24 hours.
• You see blood in your vomit. The blood might be dark red, or it may look like coffee grounds.
• You pass out (faint).
• You feel very dizzy or light-headed when you stand up.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You have very bad belly pain.
• You have very bad chest pain.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have a very bad headache.
• You lose feeling (have numbness) on one side of your body.
• You feel weak on one side of your body.
• You have trouble speaking.

Summary

• Motion sickness can happen when you travel in a boat, car, or airplane, or when you go on an amusement park ride.
• Problems usually go away when the motion stops.
• Plan ahead for travel. Ask your doctor if you should take medicines to help prevent motion sickness.