Understanding Motion Sickness
What is motion sickness and how it affects the body
Motion sickness is a common condition that occurs when there's a conflict between the signals your brain receives from your eyes, inner ears, and other sensory organs. This sensory mismatch happens when your body perceives motion differently than what your visual system is experiencing, leading to the characteristic symptoms that can make travel quite unpleasant. The condition affects people of all ages and can significantly impact your ability to enjoy journeys, whether you're travelling for business or leisure across the UK or abroad.
Common symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cold sweats
Motion sickness presents with several distinctive symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to severe distress. The most recognisable symptoms include:
Nausea and queasiness in the stomach
Vomiting or dry heaving
Dizziness and feeling unsteady
Cold sweats and clammy skin
Headaches and general fatigue
Increased saliva production
Pale complexion
Loss of appetite
Why motion sickness occurs - inner ear balance mechanisms
The root cause of motion sickness lies within your inner ear's vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When you're in motion, your inner ear detects movement and acceleration, whilst your eyes may be focused on something stationary like a book or mobile phone screen. This conflicting information confuses your brain's ability to process your position in space, triggering the body's motion sickness response as a protective mechanism.
Different types of motion that trigger symptoms
Various forms of transportation and movement can trigger motion sickness symptoms. Car journeys, particularly on winding country roads common throughout the UK, frequently cause travel sickness. Maritime travel on ferries crossing the English Channel or around the Scottish islands can trigger seasickness due to the rocking motion of vessels. Air travel, especially during turbulence, can affect sensitive individuals, whilst train travel on high-speed services or routes with frequent stops and starts may also cause discomfort.
Who is most susceptible to motion sickness
Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are particularly prone to motion sickness, though many outgrow this sensitivity as they reach adulthood. Women are generally more susceptible than men, with pregnant women experiencing heightened sensitivity due to hormonal changes. Individuals with migraine histories, inner ear disorders, or anxiety about travel often experience more severe symptoms. Interestingly, some people who rarely experience motion sickness may find themselves affected when trying new forms of transport or travelling in unfamiliar conditions.
Risk factors and triggers
Several factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing motion sickness or worsen existing symptoms. Poor ventilation, strong odours such as fuel fumes or food smells, reading or looking at screens whilst moving, lack of sleep, stress, and consuming heavy meals before travelling can all heighten sensitivity. Additionally, sitting in certain positions within vehicles, such as rear seats in cars or lower decks on ships, may increase motion sickness susceptibility due to increased movement sensation.
Types of Motion Sickness
Travel sickness in cars and coaches
Car and coach travel represents the most common form of motion sickness experienced in the UK. This type typically occurs when passengers focus on activities like reading, using mobile devices, or looking at stationary objects within the vehicle whilst the body senses movement. The stop-start nature of urban traffic, winding country lanes, and motorway travel can all contribute to symptoms. Coach travel on longer journeys, such as touring holidays or intercity routes, may be particularly challenging due to the higher seating position and different suspension systems compared to private cars.
Sea sickness on boats and ferries
Maritime motion sickness affects travellers on various watercraft, from small pleasure boats to large cross-Channel ferries. The rolling, pitching, and yawing motions of vessels create a particularly challenging environment for those susceptible to motion sickness. Ferry crossings from Dover to Calais, journeys to the Isle of Wight, or trips to Scottish islands can trigger symptoms that may persist even after returning to dry land. The severity often depends on sea conditions, with rough weather significantly increasing the likelihood and intensity of seasickness.
Air sickness during flights
Air travel motion sickness typically occurs during takeoff, landing, or periods of turbulence when the aircraft experiences sudden movements or changes in altitude. Modern aircraft are generally stable, but sensitive individuals may still experience symptoms, particularly on smaller planes or during adverse weather conditions. The cabin environment, including air pressure changes and limited fresh air circulation, can exacerbate symptoms for some passengers travelling from UK airports to domestic or international destinations.
Train travel motion sickness
Railway motion sickness can affect passengers on various UK train services, from local commuter lines to high-speed intercity routes. The swaying motion of carriages, frequent acceleration and deceleration at stations, and the visual effect of rapidly passing scenery can trigger symptoms. Some individuals find certain types of trains more problematic than others, with older rolling stock or tilting trains sometimes causing more pronounced effects than standard carriages.
Virtual reality and simulator sickness
A modern form of motion sickness occurs when using virtual reality headsets, gaming simulators, or 3D cinema experiences. This "cybersickness" happens when visual motion cues don't match physical sensations, similar to traditional motion sickness but in reverse. As VR gaming and simulation experiences become more popular in entertainment venues across the UK, more people are discovering they're susceptible to this particular form of motion-related discomfort.
Individual variations in sensitivity
Motion sickness sensitivity varies considerably between individuals, with some people being naturally more resistant whilst others may be affected by even minimal movement. Personal sensitivity can also fluctuate based on factors such as general health, stress levels, hormonal changes, and previous experiences with motion sickness. Some individuals develop coping strategies or gradually build tolerance to specific types of motion, whilst others may find their sensitivity increases with age or after experiencing particularly severe episodes of motion sickness.
Available Treatments in the UK
UK pharmacies offer a comprehensive range of motion sickness treatments to suit different needs and preferences. The most commonly available over-the-counter medications include antihistamines such as cinnarizine (Stugeron) and promethazine (Phenergan), both proven effective for preventing and treating travel sickness.
Hyoscine hydrobromide is another popular option, available as both tablets (Kwells) and patches (Scopoderm). The patches provide long-lasting protection, making them ideal for extended journeys, whilst tablets offer quick relief for shorter trips.
For those preferring natural approaches, ginger supplements and acupressure travel bands are widely available and offer drug-free alternatives. These options are particularly suitable for pregnant women or those who prefer to avoid medications.
Prescription treatments may be necessary for severe motion sickness that doesn't respond to over-the-counter options. Your pharmacist or GP can advise on stronger medications when required.
Children under 2 years: consult your pharmacist or GP before using any medication
Ages 2-12: specific paediatric formulations and reduced doses apply
Adults: full adult doses as per manufacturer's instructions
Elderly: may require dose adjustments due to increased sensitivity
How Motion Sickness Medications Work
Understanding how different treatments work can help you choose the most suitable option for your journey. Antihistamines like cinnarizine and promethazine work by blocking histamine receptors in the brain's vomiting centre, reducing the conflicting signals that cause motion sickness. These medications typically take 30-60 minutes to become effective and can provide protection for 4-8 hours.
Hyoscine hydrobromide works differently by blocking nerve signals in the inner ear and brain that trigger nausea and vomiting. Tablets work within 20-30 minutes, whilst patches provide continuous protection for up to 72 hours when applied behind the ear.
Natural Approaches and Treatment Combinations
Ginger supplements work by stimulating digestion and may help settle the stomach, though scientific evidence is mixed. Acupressure bands apply pressure to specific points on the wrist, potentially reducing nausea through traditional medicine principles.
The choice of medication depends on your journey type: quick-acting tablets for short trips, long-lasting patches for cruises or extended travel. Some treatments can be safely combined, but always consult your pharmacist before mixing medications to ensure compatibility and avoid potential interactions.
Prevention and Practical Tips
Pre-travel Preparation Strategies
Proper preparation is essential for preventing motion sickness. Begin by ensuring you're well-rested before travelling, as fatigue can increase susceptibility to motion sickness. Plan your journey during times when you typically feel most comfortable, and consider breaking longer trips into manageable segments with regular stops.
Optimal Seating Positions
Choose your position wisely depending on your mode of transport. In cars, sit in the front passenger seat or drive if possible. On trains, face forward and select seats over the wheels for stability. For air travel, request seats over the wing where motion is minimised. On ships, book a cabin midship on lower decks near the waterline.
Dietary and Medication Timing
Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy meals before and during travel. Light snacks such as plain crackers or ginger biscuits can help settle your stomach. Take motion sickness medications 30-60 minutes before departure for maximum effectiveness, following package instructions carefully.
Non-Medication Techniques
Focus on the horizon or a fixed point in the distance
Ensure adequate fresh air circulation
Avoid reading, using mobile phones, or other close-up activities
Practice deep breathing exercises
Consider acupressure wristbands
Safety Information and When to Seek Advice
Important Safety Warnings
Always read medicine labels carefully and follow dosage instructions. Many motion sickness medications can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery. Check for contraindications, particularly if you have glaucoma, enlarged prostate, breathing problems, or heart conditions. Some medications may not be suitable for those with certain allergies or medical conditions.
Drug Interactions and Side Effects
Motion sickness medications can interact with other medicines, including sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness. Always inform your pharmacist of any other medications you're taking.
Special Considerations
Children under two years should not be given motion sickness medications without medical advice. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their GP or pharmacist before use. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects and require adjusted dosages.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Consult your pharmacist if symptoms persist despite treatment, or if you experience severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if motion sickness is accompanied by severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration. Contact your GP if you develop motion sickness without apparent cause or if symptoms significantly impact your daily life.
