Seasickness – causes, symptoms, first aid

Seasickness, also called motion sickness, is a condition that can spoil the joy of traveling both at sea and on land. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and provide first aid tips in the event of an attack of seasickness.

Causes of seasickness

The causes of seasickness are related to the disorientation of the body during travel, especially in conditions where we cannot control the movement. Here are the most important factors leading to seasickness:

• Instability of the balance system – when moving at sea or in a car, our balance system becomes disoriented, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
• Vision and the vestibular system – seeing the movement of the environment, but not feeling it physically, our balance system may be additionally disturbed.
• Sensory sensitivity – Some people are more susceptible to seasickness than others due to their sensory sensitivity.

Symptoms of seasickness

Symptoms of seasickness can be very troublesome and negatively affect our trip. The most common symptoms are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling dizzy
• Headache
• Dizziness in the stomach
• Pale skin
• Weakness

These symptoms may occur individually or in combination, and their severity may vary depending on the person and situation.

Can seasickness be prevented?

Seasickness can often be prevented or alleviated by taking appropriate measures. Here are some tips:

• Choose places on the ship or car where there is the least amount of traffic, such as near the center of the ship or in the front seats of the car.
• Avoid reading while traveling as it may further affect your balance system.
• Use anti-emetic preparations or special anti-emetic bands that help relieve the symptoms of seasickness.
• Focus on the horizon or a reference point in the distance to help your system balance.

What to do in the event of an attack of seasickness?

If you have already experienced a bout of seasickness, there are certain steps you can take to ease your suffering:

• Try to sit in a place where there is minimal movement.
• Close your eyes and concentrate on breathing evenly.
• Avoid reading, watching screens and other activities that require visual attention.
• Eat a small amount of dry snacks, which can help settle your stomach.
• If possible, leave the room to feel the fresh air.

Your suggestions

If you have your own proven methods for dealing with seasickness or want to share your experiences, we encourage you to leave a comment below the article.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of seasickness, you may want to check out other articles on the subject. Below are links to some valuable sources:

• Seasickness in children – how to help?
• Seasickness treatment – effective methods
• Helping children fight seasickness

Seasickness can be an arduous experience, but understanding its causes, symptoms and coping methods can help you significantly improve your travel experience. Remember that everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s worth experimenting with different methods to find what works best for you.