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Motion sickness prevention

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Need to know more about motion sickness prevention? We’ve got you covered.

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is an ailment that affects many people, especially while traveling. Repeated movement in a car or other activities that stimulate the motion-sensing organs of the inner ear can start motion sickness. Some people may experience nausea or vomiting when riding in an airplane, bus or car. You might also experience it on an amusement park ride. While on a boat or ship, it is called seasickness. There is no difference between the 2 terms; they are the same condition.

The human body maintains balance with the input of signals sent by many parts of the body, such as the eyes and inner ears. Other sensory receptors in the legs and feet signal the nervous system about what parts of your body are touching the ground. Conflicting signal inputs can cause motion sickness. For example, when riding on an airplane, turbulence is not visible, but your body can feel it. The resulting contradictory signals can cause nausea or vomiting.

What are the symptoms of motion sickness?

Symptoms can strike quickly and create an upset stomach or make you feel like you’re about to throw up. A person with motion sickness may look pale and break out in a cold sweat, complaining of a headache or dizziness. Common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance
  • Fatigue
  • Increased saliva production
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Shallow breathing
  • Vomiting

Getting help

MinuteClinic providers are trained to evaluate factors for travel-related illnesses, including motion sickness. There are ways to prevent this common ailment before it starts. Your MinuteClinic provider can review your medical history, and prepare a prevention and treatment plan. They can make recommendations for effective remedies, including over-the-counter products. If necessary, they can also prescribe medication.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Motion sickness causes, symptoms and treatment

In cases where typical preventive measures do not stop the onset of motion sickness, your MinuteClinic® provider may recommend the following remedies. They can also discuss the side effects with you:

  • Dimenhydrinate: An over-the-counter antihistamine that helps with motion sickness. The first dose is taken an hour before travel, with additional treatments every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Scopolamine: A prescription medicated patch worn behind the ear. It is applied 4 hours before travel. A dose lasts for 3 days.

  • Avoid greasy, spicy or intense smelling foods shortly before and during travel.
  • Avoid looking at or interacting with another passenger who is experiencing motion sickness.
  • Be seated in a position where your eyes can see the same motion that is signaling the body and inner ear.
  • If you’re susceptible to motion sickness, avoid reading while traveling.
  • On a boat or ship, be on a deck where you can see motion and the horizon.
  • On a train, skip the seats that face backwards.
  • In an airplane, book a window seat and look outside. Whenever possible, choose seats positioned near the wings where motion during flight is the most stable.
  • When in a car, sit in the front seat and look at a distant view.
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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