TRAVEL SICKNESS
What is it?
Travel or motion sickness is the nausea and/or vomiting experienced by many people when travelling by road, rail, sea or air. Children in particular, are prone to travel sickness.
Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting, the person feels faint, cold and clammy, loss of appetite, pallor, there may be abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea.
Causes: Motion causes a temporary disturbance of the balance mechanism of the inner ear.
Possible complications: None
Treatment in the home: fresh air helps. If you are travelling by car, stop regularly, lie down and rest.
When to consult a doctor: If the nausea and vomiting are accompanied by severe abdominal pain.
What the doctor may do: Examine the patient to check that the nausea and vomiting is not caused by any other underlying disease. In severe cases, give an injection to stop vomiting. Prescribe preventative medication.