Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, but for some, it comes with the unwelcome companion of travel sickness. This common ailment, also known as motion sickness, arises from a dissonance between what the eyes perceive and what the inner ear senses.
The resulting conflict of signals sent to the brain leads to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and, in severe cases, vomiting. Recognising the importance of travel clinics adds another layer of preparation, emphasising the need to visit a specialised travel vaccination clinic for tailored advice and immunizations that safeguard against potential health risks at the chosen destination.
Causes of Travel Sickness
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, is caused by a disconnect between what your eyes perceive and what your inner ear senses. The brain receives conflicting signals, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Factors contributing to travel sickness include:
- Inner Ear Imbalance. The inner ear plays a crucial role in balance. When the motion sensed by the inner ear doesn’t match the visual input, it can trigger motion sickness.
- Visual Confusion. Reading, watching videos, or looking at a screen while in motion can confuse the brain, worsening travel sickness symptoms.
Symptoms of Travel Sickness
Recognizing the symptoms of travel sickness is the first step in managing it effectively. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea: A feeling of queasiness or an urge to vomit
- Dizziness: Sensation of spinning or light headedness
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially on the forehead
- Vomiting: In severe cases, vomiting may occur
Preventing Travel Sickness
Fortunately, there are various strategies to prevent or alleviate travel sickness:
- Choose the Right Seat. Opt for a seat where motion is felt the least, like the front seat in a car or over the wings in an aeroplane.
- Focus on the Horizon. Encourage passengers to look at the horizon, as a stable reference point can help reduce motion sickness.
- Fresh Air. Adequate ventilation can help ease symptoms, so ensure there’s a fresh flow of air.
- Avoid Heavy Meals. Eating light and avoiding heavy meals before travelling can reduce the likelihood of nausea.
- Stay Hydrated. Dehydration can worsen symptoms, so it’s essential to stay hydrated during your journey.
What’s more is that, if you’re in the UK, you can access travel clinics wherever you are. There is an available travel clinic in St Margarets and other parts of the country. You can take advantage of travel vaccination in Isleworth and its surrounding areas anytime.
Travel Clinic Stoneleigh and Richmond: Your Partners in Health
Before embarking on your journey, consider visiting a travel clinic for essential travel vaccination. The travel vaccination clinic Stoneleigh and Richmond offer comprehensive travel vaccination services in Stoneleigh, Richmond, Ewell, Chessington, Kew, St Margarets, and Isleworth. Our experienced professionals provide personalised advice and vaccinations tailored to your destination, ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience.
For a safe and healthy journey, visit Nima Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic. Schedule your travel vaccination in Richmond, Eatwell, and other surrounding areas today!