TRAVEL SICKNESS

Types

• Motion sickness in cars: Many individuals, especially children suffer travel sickness in cars.
• Sea sickness: Before the Channel Tunnel, could really ruin the start to many European car holidays.
• Air sickness: Is rare, but affects a significant minority. It can be associated with fear of flying, and the prolonged periods of immobility in very long transcontinental flights.

Danger signs

• New onset of travel sickness in an adult: Exclude other causes of vertigo, possibly Menieres, if associated with deafness and collapses - or other causes of labyrinthine dysfunction. Refer to GP for opinion.
• Some elderly may be vulnerable to vertigo/travel sickness, especially on extreme neck movement. This may seriously impair driving safety. Refer to GP for opinion.

Notes for children Travel sickness is common. As well as medication the following may help:

• Good car seat, which elevates the child enough to see where they are travelling.
• Adequate ventilation.
• Stop frequently and ensure adequate fluid intake.

Notes for the elderly

• Neck pillows may be helpful for long journeys.
• Timing of Medication eg. take diuretics very early that morning to avoid problems durin the journey.
• Beware drue interactions.

General advice

• Eat well before travel. Avoid alcohol. Remain well hydrated.

Therapy

• Centrally acting anti-emetic.
• Anti-cholinergic (Atropine-like drugs).
• Antihistamine/anti-emetics - may cause drowsiness

Dictionary

Anti-emetic: preventing or arresting vomiting

More Information