Motion sickness is the uneasy feeling you can get when riding
in something moving (car, plane, boat, etc.).
It is common.
It does not feel good.
But, it is not serious.
What causes it?
Your child senses her body move by using her
Inner ears
Eyes
Skin and Muscles
Her brain gets the information and tries to understand what
she is doing at that time.
When some of the information does not make sense, then she
might get motion sickness.
For example, your child feels a bumpy car ride with her skin,
muscles, and inner ear. But, she sees the car seat that is not
moving. Her brain does not understand why her muscles feel the
motion, but her eyes do not see motion. So, she gets motion
sickness.
Who can get it?
Children between 4-10 years old are most at risk.
Motion sickness is uncommon in children under two years
old.
Stop the car. Have her lie on her back with her eyes closed.
She will feel better in a short period of time.
Place a cold cloth on her face.
There are over-the-counter drugs that help motion sickness.
One is called Dramamine. Check with your doctor before using these
drugs. Do not give drugs to infants and young children without
talking to your doctor.
How long does it last?
Motion sickness does not last a long time if treated.
Can it be prevented?
Yes, motion sickness can be prevented.
Sit in the middle of whatever you are riding in.
Sit facing forward.
Look straight ahead.
Do not read.
Eat a small snack before traveling. Do not eat a large
meal.
Avoid strong odors such as cigarette smoke and smelly
foods.
Get a lot of fresh air.
Keep your child calm. Listen to the radio, sing songs, or talk
with her.
Take a motion sickness drug 30 to 60 minutes before traveling,
or as the doctor says to take it.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you want to give your child a motion
sickness drug.
Call your doctor if your child becomes dehydrated because of
vomiting.
Call your doctor if your child has problems of motion sickness
when she is not moving.
Call your doctor if you have questions about your childs
condition.
Quick Answers
Motion sickness is the uneasy feeling you can get when riding
in something moving (car, plane, boat, etc.).
It is common.
When your childs brain does not understand the
information from her body, she gets motion sickness.
The most common problems are nausea, dizziness, vomiting and
headache.
It is not contagious.
There is not cure.
There are drugs that can prevent it. Talk to your childs
doctor first.
Prevention is the best treatment.
Call your doctor if you want to give your child a motion
sickness drug.
Call your doctor if your child has problems of motion sickness
when she is not moving.
References
Healthatoz. Motion sickness. 2002 December. (cited 2003 July
22): http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/motion_sickness.html
The Hospital for Sick Children. Summer 2002. Volume 3. Issue2.
(cited 2003 July 22): http://www.sickkids.on.ca/kidshealth/summer02vol3issue2/queasy.asp
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