What to do about motion sickness: Quick relief methods
Disease description:
I took a long bus ride today and got carsick. I'm feeling really terrible now, keep thinking about vomiting, and drinking water doesn't help relieve the symptoms. I'd like to know, what can I do to quickly alleviate carsickness?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
When experiencing motion sickness, several methods can be employed to quickly alleviate symptoms. Here are some effective approaches:
1. Medication: Oral anti-motion sickness medications such as benhexol or anisodamine can help relieve symptoms like nausea and vomiting by inhibiting spasms of the gastrointestinal smooth muscles, thereby reducing the amplitude and frequency of peristalsis. Additionally, transdermal patches containing natural plant extracts such as mint in the gel layer can also be used; these have a refreshing effect.
2. Physical therapy: Physical treatments such as adaptability training and balance function training can help the vestibular system develop adaptation and habituation, thus reducing symptoms of motion sickness. For example, while in a vehicle, try closing your eyes and resting to avoid reading, looking at moving objects outside the window, or using your phone, thereby reducing conflicting signals to the brain from the visual and vestibular systems.
3. Use of natural remedies: Smelling fresh ginger slices or orange peels, whose spicy or fragrant odors can stimulate the brain and relieve motion sickness. Furthermore, applying camphor oil to the temples or Fengchi acupoints can also help alleviate discomfort caused by motion sickness.
4. Adjusting the riding environment: Try to sit in a front window seat to ensure an unobstructed view and good air circulation. If possible, opening the window to breathe fresh air may also help reduce symptoms of motion sickness.
If symptoms of motion sickness are extremely severe and affect daily life, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation.
