Travel Healthy

Air sickness, also known as motion sickness or flight sickness, happens when the body’s sensory organs get mixed signals about motion. When the eyes, inner ear, and other body parts send conflicting messages to the brain, it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting.

Air travel has become an integral part of our lives, connecting people and places like never before. However, for some individuals, the excitement of flying is often dampened by a common discomfort known as air sickness. let’s discuss the causes, symptoms, and practical tips to help you overcome this sickness and make your next flight a more pleasant experience.

Causes of Air Sickness

1. Visual Confusion: Looking outside the aircraft and seeing the ground moving while feeling no corresponding motion can confuse the brain and trigger air sickness.
2. Inner Ear Imbalance: The inner ear, responsible for balance and spatial orientation, can be affected by the irregular motion of the aircraft, leading to discomfort.
3. Lack of Fresh Air: Poor cabin ventilation and recirculated air can contribute to a sense of stuffiness and discomfort, exacerbating air sickness symptoms.
4. Anxiety and Stress: Fear of flying, claustrophobia, or general anxiety can contribute to the onset of air sickness.

Symptoms of Air Sickness

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Vomiting (in severe cases)
• Pallor (pale skin)

How to Prevent and Alleviate Air Sickness

Choose the Right Seat: Opt for a seat over the wings, where motion is less pronounced. A window seat can help you focus on the horizon, minimizing visual confusion.

1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen symptoms, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of water before and during the flight.
2. Avoid Heavy Meals: Eat light, non-greasy meals before flying to prevent a full stomach, which can contribute to nausea.
3. Ginger Products: Ginger has anti-nausea properties. Consider ginger candies, ginger ale, or ginger supplements to help alleviate symptoms.
4. Focus on the Horizon: Look outside and focus on a fixed point on the horizon to help synchronize visual and sensory inputs.
5. Control Breathing: Practice slow, deep breathing to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
6. Wear Pressure Bands: Special wristbands designed to apply pressure on acupressure points may help alleviate symptoms.
7. Choose the Right Time to Fly: Morning flights are generally smoother, as air turbulence tends to be lower.

Summary

Air sickness is a common issue that can affect anyone, but with the right strategies, it can be managed effectively. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing preventive measures, you can increase your chances of enjoying a comfortable and nausea-free flight. Remember, each individual is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the most effective strategies for you.

Safe travels!