Travel sickness Dr Rob Hicks Motion, smells and anxiety can all trigger nausea and vomiting during road, sea and air travel.

In this article

What is it? On the road

At sea In the air

Prevention and treatment

Travel, or motion, sickness occurs when repetitive small movements mean the brain is sent mixed messages. The eyes say one thing about the position of the body, while the delicate inner ear balance mechanisms are reporting something different.

This confusion usually results in feelings of nausea, sometimes vomiting and becoming sweaty.

Children suffer more often than adults and, fortunately, many grow out of it as they get older and learn to overcome the problem.

It's not always motion that triggers the sickness. Smells, such as those of food or petrol, anxiety that it's going to happen may ensure it does and focusing on a nearby object, such as trying to read a book or a map, can make people feel queasy.

If the child is old enough they should sit in the front of the car where they can get a clear view of the road. Young children should be put in the back seat where they can see the road.

Try to get children to avoid looking down into their lap. Reading or games that encourage concentrating downwards should be left until the journey is over.

Singing along to music or playing games that encourage looking ahead helps prevent problems. Make sure the car is well ventilated, too.

Ask the driver to take bends gently, to not accelerate and slow down repeatedly, and to stop for regular stretches (at least once an hour) throughout the trip.

Get as much fresh air as possible away from the smell of fuel fumes and galley foods. Going out on deck is ideal, but make sure to focus on the horizon or something that isn't moving - don't watch the waves.

If it's too cold and you have to stay inside, find a seat in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, this is where the ship moves least. If you are still nauseous, lie down and keep your eyes closed.

Ask for a seat over the wing, where the plane is most stable. Tilt your seat back, rest your head on the headrest, and close your eyes. Music helps some people relax and takes the mind off feeling unwell.

Some people know they're going to be sick whatever they do. If this is the case, ask for a seat near the toilets.

As well as the advice above, the following can help to reduce the chance of travel sickness:

• Avoiding heavy meals and alcohol before travelling.
• Keeping still with eyes closed.
• Anti-sickness medicines from the pharmacist. These should be taken before travel according to the instructions so they have time to be absorbed by the body.
• Ginger or peppermint remedies. Ginger can be taken as a biscuit, tea or in crystallised form, while peppermint can be sucked as a sweet or taken as a tea.
• Acupressure. This can be applied using a wristband or by pressing your finger against the middle of the inner wrist about three finger widths above the crease where the wrist joins the hand.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Orlena Kerek in March 2009