Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a condition that occurs when there is a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ears, which help with balance, sense. It can happen when you’re in a moving vehicle, like a car, train, plane, or boat. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can be extremely uncomfortable. In this article, we will explore the symptoms of motion sickness in detail.
Some people may experience symptoms of motion sickness even before they begin to move, while others may feel fine until they’ve been in motion for a while. The severity of symptoms can also differ from person to person. Knowing the symptoms of motion sickness can help you recognize when you or someone else is experiencing it so you can take steps to alleviate the discomfort.
Nausea
One of the most common symptoms of motion sickness is nausea. People experiencing motion sickness may feel queasy or have bouts of vomiting. This feeling of nausea may occur with or without other symptoms and can vary in intensity from person to person.
In some cases, the nausea may be so severe that it can significantly impact a person’s ability to function. It’s important to recognize nausea as a symptom of motion sickness so you can take appropriate measures to ease the discomfort, such as taking medication or changing your environment.
Dizziness
Dizziness is another prominent symptom of motion sickness. The sensation of spinning or feeling unbalanced can be alarming and uncomfortable. It can make a person feel disoriented and may worsen with movement, especially sudden or jerky movements.
In addition to the physical sensation of dizziness, a person experiencing motion sickness may also feel mentally foggy or have trouble concentrating. This can make tasks, such as reading or using electronic devices, challenging during a bout of motion sickness.
Sweating
Excessive sweating is a common symptom of motion sickness. Even if the environment is not particularly warm, a person experiencing motion sickness may break out in a cold sweat. This can be especially noticeable on the palms of the hands, the forehead, and under the arms.
The sweating may be a result of the body’s response to the stress of feeling unwell, or it could be a side effect of the body’s attempts to regulate its temperature. Either way, recognizing excessive sweating as a symptom of motion sickness can help you address the issue and find relief.
Headache
Headaches can accompany motion sickness. The pain may be dull and persistent or sharp and throbbing. The headache may be localized to a specific area, such as the temples or the back of the head, or it may feel like it’s radiating across the entire skull.
Some people may find that the headache intensifies with motion or when they’re exposed to certain triggers, such as bright lights or loud noises. Understanding that a headache can be a symptom of motion sickness can prompt you to take steps to minimize discomfort, such as finding a quiet, dimly lit space to rest.
Increased Salivation
Another symptom of motion sickness is increased salivation, which can lead to excessive swallowing. This can be particularly uncomfortable if a person is already feeling queasy or nauseous. The sensation of excess saliva in the mouth can add to the overall feeling of discomfort and may even trigger gagging or vomiting in severe cases.
Recognizing increased salivation as a symptom of motion sickness can help you identify the issue and take steps to manage it, such as keeping water or mints on hand to help alleviate the sensation.
Cold Sweats
In addition to general sweating, some people may experience cold sweats as a symptom of motion sickness. These sweats are often accompanied by feelings of intense cold, even if the environment is warm. The body’s natural response to discomfort and stress can lead to cold sweats, which can be both uncomfortable and alarming.
Recognizing cold sweats as a symptom of motion sickness can prompt you to address the issue and find ways to alleviate the discomfort, such as wrapping up in warm clothing or taking steps to regulate the temperature of your environment.
Yawning
Excessive yawning can be a symptom of motion sickness. The body’s response to discomfort can include the urge to yawn frequently and deeply. This can be a sign that a person is feeling unwell, even if they may not yet recognize it as motion sickness.
Understanding excessive yawning as a symptom of motion sickness can help you take steps to address the issue and find relief, such as taking deep breaths of fresh air, or redirecting your focus to external stimuli, such as music or conversation.
Pale Skin
Pale skin is a common physical symptom of motion sickness. The body’s response to feeling unwell may include a decrease in blood flow to the skin, which can lead to a pallid or ashen appearance. This can be especially noticeable in the face and extremities.
Recognizing pale skin as a symptom of motion sickness can prompt you to take steps to alleviate the discomfort, such as finding a quiet, comfortable place to rest, or taking medication to ease the symptoms.
Loss of Appetite
Some people may experience a loss of appetite as a symptom of motion sickness. The feelings of nausea and discomfort can make it difficult to eat, even if a person may have felt hungry before the onset of symptoms. This can lead to lethargy and worsen the overall feeling of malaise.
Recognizing a loss of appetite as a symptom of motion sickness can prompt you to find ways to manage the discomfort, such as consuming small, bland snacks, or taking medication to ease the feelings of nausea.
Difficulty Concentrating
Motion sickness can also lead to a difficulty concentrating. The overall feeling of discomfort and the body’s natural response to stress can make it challenging to focus on tasks or conversations. This can be particularly frustrating for people who may be in a situation where they need to stay alert and engaged, such as when driving or participating in a meeting.
Recognizing difficulty concentrating as a symptom of motion sickness can prompt you to take steps to address the issue and find relief, such as finding a quiet, calm space to rest, or taking medication to ease the symptoms.
