Driving in your car (or any means of transportation) is much more common than you imagine and, despite being an extremely unpleasant situation, it can be avoided or its effects mitigated. In this article, Help Flash explains what this phenomenon is and we advise practical ways to avoid or mitigate its effects.
Why do we enjoy as a movement?
Motion sickness, also known as motion sickness, is an uncomfortable experience that affects many people during car trips. This phenomenon occurs when there is a discrepancy between the information sent to the brain by different sensory systems. For example, when we are reading a book or consulting a telephone, our eyes can indicate that we are standing, but the internal ouvido (vestibular system) is responsible for balance, sitting and movement of the car. This conflict can generate a nervous system response that results in nausea and various other symptoms.
Factors that enhance the risk:
- Reading or using electronic devices: Keeping your eyes fixed on objects inside the car, such as books or phones, may exacerbate sensory conflict.
- More road visibility: Sitting in the car's location with limited vision, such as the back bench, can intensify symptoms.
- Heavy meals: If there is some type of predisposition to eat in transport (car, boat, plane, etc...), eating too much or foods that are difficult to digest can intensify the symptoms.
- Personal Sensitivity: Some people are naturally more susceptible to movement, especially children between the ages of 2 and 12, and women, possibly due to hormonal differences.
Strategies to prevent or minimize movement impairment:
- Focus on a point on the horizon: Keeping your eyes fixed on a distant point on the horizon can help align your visual and vestibular sinuses.
- Pick up a suitable place: Sitting in front of the car or next to a door with low visibility can reduce discomfort.
- Maintaining good ventilation : Cool air can help reduce feelings of nausea. Avoid hot and miserable environments. Open your doors if you feel uncomfortable.
- Avoid reading or using electronic devices: Reading or using electronic devices can trigger or irritate or aggravate symptoms. Choose to listen to music or audio books and keep looking at the horizon.
- Take regular breaks: Stop to breathe fresh air and walk just a little bit to relieve discomfort.
- Avoid strong chemicals: Exposure to strong chemicals, including tobacco or fuel, can also enhance the phenomenon or increase the intensity of the same.
- Mild foods and hydration: Opt for milder foods, such as salty ones, and avoid all or even alcoholic beverages. Drink water regularly.
- Don't pay attention to moving objects: Concentrate on static objects or a fixed point and never leave other moving vehicles.
If it has already been installed, here are some tips to relieve the symptoms:
- Deep breathing and relaxation: Deep breathing techniques can help calm the nervous system.
- Ginger: Made of its antiemetic properties, ginger can be consumed in the form of cha, tablets, dehydrated or in balls, to help reduce nausea.
- Antiemetic medications : There are freely available medications that can prevent or treat movement disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Please note that some of the secondary effects may include sleepiness.
- Acupressure bands : These bands apply pressure to specific pulse points, which, according to some specialists, can help relieve nausea.
In cases of frequent or severe movement disorder, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Your doctor may suggest additional treatments, such as behavioral therapies or other types of medications. Also, underlying medical conditions, such as internal ouvido disturbances, can be explored as possible causes.
As we mentioned, moving around can be a uncomfortable experience, but with some preventive measures and various treatment options, it is possible to enjoy more comfortable and less uncomfortable trips.
