As many of us are getting ready to set off for our summer holidays have you thought about preparing yourself for travel sickness?
For years I didn't think I had travel sickness, until I got onto a boat in stormy weather that is. I ended up spending the majority of the journey very close to a toilet and promised myself I'd never get on a boat again without some sort of travel-sickness remedy.
Travel sickness doesn't just affect people on boats; it can affect anyone in any form of moving vehicle so if you think you're likely to be sick on a journey you're best to be prepared.
So, why do you get travel sickness?
Travel sickness is most likely related to the fact that when you're in a moving vehicle your brain can sometimes find it difficult to process the conflicting information your eyes and ears are giving it about your location. This can lead to a stimulation of the part of the brain that causes you to feel nauseous and to get sick. You are best to avoid activities like reading on a journey as this can trigger travel sickness.
How will you feel if you get travel sickness?
Apart from wanting to get out of the moving vehicle as quickly as possible you will probably be feeling quite nauseous and may even vomit. Those around you will notice that you look very pale and you may find yourself yawning and becoming cold and sweaty. These symptoms usually stop once the journey has ended.
What over-the-counter treatments are there for travel sickness?
When deciding on the best treatment for travel sickness your pharmacist will match you with a product that will have an effect over the whole of your journey. Your pharmacist will also question you about any medications you are taking and how sick you have been on past journeys. Some of the treatments available include:
First generation antihistamines including Cinnarizine (Stugeron) and Meclozine (Sea-legs) are routinely used to treat travel sickness.
Cinnarizine should be taken around 2 hours before travelling and the dose can be repeated after 8 hours. Meclozine can be taken an hour before travelling and its effects last 24 hours so may be taken the night before travelling if desired. These first generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness so would not be suitable if you will be driving.
Hyoscine is found in Joy-Rides and Kwells. It has an anticholinergic action and can be taken 30 minutes before travelling. For journeys greater than 4 hours you may need to take a repeated dose of Hyoscine as it has a short duration of action. Hyoscine may cause drowsiness, dry mouth and blurred vision. If you are affected by these side effects avoid driving.
Travel bands are an alternative treatment for pregnant women and other people unable to take the treatments mentioned. They use acupressure to prevent sickness.
Top tips on avoiding travel sickness
Avoid eating large meals before travelling
Avoid drinking too much alcohol
Avoid reading
In a car, try to sit in the front seat and get plenty of fresh air
On a boat, go to the deck to get as much fresh air as possible
In a plane, try to get a seat over the wings. Do not attempt to get any fresh air!
Try to sleep through the journey
If you do get sick it is important to keep well hydrated. Do this by taking sips of cold water.
When buying over-the-counter medication it is important that you make your pharmacist aware if you have any underlying medical conditions, if you are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if your symptoms persist. Let your pharmacist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and always read the product information before taking the medication. It is also important to keep all medicines out of sight and out of reach of children.
I'm keen to hear from YOU! If you have any comments or queries about this week's topic or if you would like to suggest a future health issue to be covered please email me at philipcrilly@yahoo.co.uk
