Air sickness is a common form of motion sickness experienced during air travel. While not a serious health concern, it can cause significant discomfort for travelers.
Understanding Air Sickness
Air sickness manifests through a range of physical sensations that can disrupt comfort during a flight. Individuals often experience nausea, which can progress to vomiting. Other common symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, cold sweats, increased salivation, and a pale appearance. These symptoms can arise quickly and may worsen if the motion continues.
Beyond physical discomfort, air sickness can also lead to difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and fatigue. Some individuals might also experience yawning or hyperventilation.
Why Air Sickness Occurs
Air sickness primarily stems from a “sensory conflict” within the brain, where different sensory organs send contradictory signals about motion. This mismatch confuses the brain’s spatial orientation system. The inner ear, which houses the vestibular system responsible for balance and detecting motion, senses the aircraft’s movements, accelerations, and turbulence. Meanwhile, the eyes might perceive a static environment inside the cabin, or if looking outside, see a rapidly moving landscape that doesn’t align with the body’s perceived motion. This discrepancy creates a conflict: the inner ear signals movement, while the eyes suggest stillness or a different kind of motion. The brain struggles to reconcile these differing inputs, leading to the disorienting and nauseating symptoms associated with air sickness. This physiological response is a normal reaction to conflicting sensory data.
Strategies for Relief
To prevent or alleviate air sickness, consider several strategies before and during a flight.
Before the Flight
Choosing a seat over the wing or near the front of the aircraft can reduce motion. Consume light, bland snacks instead of heavy, greasy, or spicy meals, and ensure adequate hydration. Avoid alcohol or excessive caffeine. Getting sufficient rest before the flight can also help.
During the Flight
Focus on a fixed point, such as the horizon outside the window, to reorient your brain and reduce sensory conflict. If looking outside is not possible, close your eyes or recline your seat. Avoid activities requiring close visual focus, like reading or using electronic screens. Deep breathing exercises and ensuring good air circulation, using overhead air vents, can also help manage discomfort.
Medications and Remedies
Over-the-counter medications like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) are effective if taken about an hour before the flight. Ginger, available in various forms, can help reduce nausea. Acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to a point on the inner wrist, are another option. For severe air sickness, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications like scopolamine patches, placed behind the ear several hours before travel.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While air sickness is generally temporary and resolves after landing, consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are unusually severe, persist long after the journey, or do not respond to common remedies. Seek prompt medical attention for persistent dizziness, severe headaches, or continuous vomiting with signs of dehydration. If air sickness significantly impacts your ability to travel or participate in daily activities, or if you have underlying medical conditions, discuss your symptoms with a doctor for appropriate management strategies.