Motion sickness, called motion sickness by doctors, is a mild but unpleasant condition. It results from the discordance between the position of the body in space and the information transmitted by the receptors of equilibrium: the eyes, the inner ear and the muscles.

The brain receives conflicting signals because the body is static but the vehicle is moving. Disoriented, he sends confused orders, generating nausea and vertigo.

Warning signs to spot

The motion sickness is favored by the presence of important upheavals: hairpin turn, air holes, sea disassembled ... And as Dr. Véronique Warnod says, " it is amplified by anxiety, fatigue and odors unpleasant (tobacco, exhaust fumes, fuel oil ...) ".

Before it really settles and is accompanied by vomiting, it is indicated by various symptoms that can be spotted: smeared stomach, migraine, pallor and start of drowsiness.

To prevent the situation from escalating, take a break if possible. Take the air, walk a few steps and then lie down to calm the game.

What precautions before the trip?

People who are prone to motion sickness should not leave on an empty stomach, otherwise nausea will be exacerbated. To travel serenely, it is better to swallow a light meal by focusing on solid foods , and non-liquid that go back more quickly.

Antihistamines (over-the-counter, pharmacy) are "effective at preventing nausea , but they can cause drowsiness," says Dr. Warnod. And they are forbidden if you drive. Take them about one hour before departure, and then if necessary during the trip, keeping an interval of at least six hours between the catches.

Alternatively, you can try scopolamine patches (antiemetic, only for adults) or homeopathic granules (Cocculine).

Anti-vomit tricks

When the discomfort is announced, bet on the ginger. The ability of this spice to quell nausea has indeed been scientifically proven. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the effectiveness of gingerol, one of its main assets, to calm the gagging induced by pregnancy or motion sickness. You can chew a small slice of fresh ginger or a ginger chewing gum (Sea-Band). Their effect is fast: 20 to 30 minutes.

The essential oils of peppermint and lemon, which relax and soothe the contractions of the stomach, are also indicated. Pour a drop on a tissue and breathe slowly until nausea fades.

In contrast, the effectiveness of acupressure bracelets has never been proven. But their mere presence around the wrist can reduce stress and so reduce the malaise.

Good actions to reduce risks

By plane and boat, choose the middle places , as the roll movements are less than on the sides.

By car or bus, choose a seat at the front of the vehicle . Hold your head on the back (or with a choker) to avoid swaying. Do not read, but do not close your eyes . On the contrary, fix the horizon or a stable point on the outside of the cockpit as aerobatic pilots do.

Since the heart ache climbs with anxiety, distract by singing or talking along the way.