It is a mismatch between the balance system located in the inner ear and visual sensations from the environment. Sensitive people may find it uncomfortable to travel by means of transport (car, bus, plane, train) or other leisure activities (carousel riding, jumping on a trampoline, swinging on a swing...).

The cause is very often swinging the body simultaneously in two different directions – horizontally and vertically.

Motion sickness affects an average of 5 % travelers, children (2-12 years) and women are more susceptible.

Symptoms and manifestations:

• balance disorder and headache,
• nausea with the urge to vomit and vomiting,
• paleness, cold sweat, excessive salivation,
• dizziness, rapid breathing and heart rate,
• excessive sensitivity to smells and sounds.

The unpleasant symptoms of motion sickness can be alleviated in several ways:

• sit facing the direction of travel and look ahead,
• follow the horizon or a distant immovable object,
• do not move your head too much (rest),
• settle in the least moving parts of the means of transport (car, bus, plane: seat in front, ship: middle sector),
• don't travel hungry or overfed
• ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air (window, fan),
• don't eat, don't drink alcohol, don't smoke, don't read, don't watch video,
• plan (if possible) travel for the evening/night.

If nausea develops, it is advisable to stop and take a break (or take a walk). Symptoms usually disappear when the stimulation is reduced (e.g. stopping the car).

Over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements can help. They are administered 15-60 minutes before traveling and usually the earlier the medicine is administered before the onset of nausea, the faster the effect.

Preparations containing:

• moxastin and caffeine (also suitable for children from 2 years old),
• dimenhydrinate (for adults and adolescents from 15 years of age),
• ginger,
• homeopathy.

Taken from the web portal of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacy for the public Lékárnické kapky, 20/07/2022