Preventing seasickness

Oct 28 2007

Seasickness is a common, dreaded, and virtually universal ailment. But with the right information and cautionary steps, it is avoidable - or at least it can be reckoned with.

Insights into the origin, preventive steps, medication, and treatment of seasickness are provided in the latest Wilderness Medicine.

Seasickness results from a mismatch of sensory input processed in the brainstem, the balance center, which orients the body's position in space. The conflict of sensory data activates a series of responses, such as yawning and drowsiness, progressing to dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and extreme listlessness. Bad cases of seasickness lead to nausea and vomiting, but don't despair! With these helpful tips, seasickness can be prevented:

• Before going seaside, eat a light meal low in fat and high in starch.
• Minimize time spent below deck.
• Avoid close-focused visual tasks such as reading or navigating.
• Stay in fresh air near the center of the boat.
• Munch on starchy snacks and sip fluids.
• Look to the horizon for a stable reference point—steering the boat can help.

Medication is generally more effective in preventing symptoms than reversing them. Meclizine, Dimenhydrinate, Prochlorperazine, and Promethazine are medications that can be taken before boarding. Alternatives to prescription medicines are aplenty when it comes to seasickness. Ginger capsules, 1 gram every 6 hours, benefits some mariners as well as all ginger products.

If symptoms do appear, however, taking medication like Promethazine is encouraged. During treatment, lie down and try to sleep. Take small amounts of fluids, crackers, and hard candy.

To read the entire article, click here: http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/wimm-24-04-pg6-8.pdf

Wilderness Medicine is a peer-reviewed quarterly medical magazine published by the Wilderness Medical Society. For more information, visit http://www.wms.org