Sea Sickness Remedies
What is Sea Sickness?
Sea sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a common condition that affects people who travel by boat or ship. It is caused by the conflicting signals that the brain receives from the eyes, ears, and muscles. The eyes see the horizon moving, while the ears and muscles sense the boat moving in a different direction. This conflict can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating.
Sea sickness is more common in women than men, and it is most likely to occur in people who are between the ages of 2 and 12. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing sea sickness, such as:
- Traveling on a small boat or in rough seas
- Sitting in the middle of the boat
- Reading or looking at a computer screen
- Having a history of motion sickness
- Being pregnant
- Taking certain medications
Symptoms of Sea Sickness
The symptoms of sea sickness can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, such as nausea or dizziness. Others may experience more severe symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
The most common symptoms of sea sickness include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Preventing Sea Sickness
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent sea sickness. Some of the most effective tips include:
- Travel on a large boat or in calm seas
- Sit in the front of the boat, where the motion is less noticeable
- Avoid reading or looking at a computer screen
- Take over-the-counter medication, such as Dramamine or Bonine
- Wear wristbands that apply pressure to acupressure points
Treating Sea Sickness
If you do develop sea sickness, there are a number of things that you can do to treat it. Some of the most effective treatments include:
- Go to bed and rest in a dark, quiet room.
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or ginger ale.
- Eat small, bland meals.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Take over-the-counter medication, such as Dramamine or Bonine.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, sea sickness is a minor inconvenience. However, it can be more serious in some people. If you have severe symptoms of sea sickness, or if your symptoms do not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.
