Motion Sickness
Home Treatment
The following tips may help you avoid motion sickness when you travel:
- When you fly, request a seat near the wings. When you travel on a ship, try to book a cabin near the middle of the vessel and near the waterline.
- Move your head as little as possible. Try to keep your head still by resting it on a headrest. Head movement can increase motion sickness.
- When you're on a boat, try to get fresh air. When you're on the deck, look at a fixed point on the horizon.
- When you travel by car, avoid reading or watching TV or videos.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or eating a heavy meal before travel.
- Do not eat or drink during short trips.
- During an extended flight, eat small meals of foods that are easy to digest before and during a flight to help reduce nausea and vomiting.1
- Try to avoid strong odors and spicy foods.
If you do have symptoms of motion sickness, the following may help:
- Eat a few dry soda crackers.
- Sip on clear, carbonated drinks such as ginger ale.
- Get some fresh air.
- Lie down or at least keep your head still.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 12, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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