Many people experience nausea, dizziness, or restlessness. This is medically known as motion sickness. One in three people experiences this problem at some point.

Traveling is fun for some, but it can also be a source of discomfort for many. Many people experience nausea, dizziness, or discomfort while traveling, especially by car, bus, train, ship, or plane. This is medically known as motion sickness. One in three people experiences this problem at some point.

Motion sickness isn't just a problem for children or the elderly. It can affect anyone of any age and begins as soon as they begin traveling. Many people wonder, "Why does this happen only to me?" But the underlying cause is a physical and mental impact. So, let's explore why vomiting occurs as soon as you get into a car or vehicle, and what illnesses cause it. 

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a condition in which you feel nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, or restlessness during travel. This problem occurs when the brain, eyes, and ears do not send consistent information. For example, if you are sitting in a car reading a book or looking at your mobile phone, your eyes tell your brain that you are not moving. However, the balance system inside your ears tells your brain that your body is moving. This conflicting signal makes your body think that something bad or toxic has entered your body, resulting in vomiting. 

How are the brain and balance related?

Our bodies contain tiny sensors called receptors. These sensors sense changes in our eyes, ears, and body and send messages to the brain. When we travel in a car, train, or airplane, the information received from our eyes, ears, and body is inconsistent. This disrupts the vestibular system, the system responsible for balance. The part of the brain called the brainstem and hypothalamus activates, causing nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. Therefore, motion sickness is a result of a disturbance in the balance system. 

Why does vomiting occur during travel?

Shaking in the vehicle isn't the only cause. The state of the stomach and the mode of travel also play a significant role. Traveling on an empty stomach increases the gastric nerve's activation, leading to dizziness and discomfort. Furthermore, traveling after a heavy meal, even when the stomach is full, increases the likelihood of vomiting. Therefore, it's best to eat a light meal before traveling. Furthermore, factors like uneven roads, hilly terrain, vehicle jolts, or foul odors can also aggravate motion sickness. According to doctors, when we sit in a vehicle, the fluid inside the ears vibrates, causing vibrations in the neck and skull. This vibration disrupts the brain's balance and causes vomiting or dizziness. 

Easy ways to avoid motion sickness

1. Avoid heavy meals – Eat light meals before travelling. 

2. Do not travel on an empty stomach – you can take light snacks or fruits. 

3. Doctor's advice - If medicine is needed, take it as per doctor's advice. 

4. Avoid sleeping in a moving vehicle – balance may get disturbed while sleeping. 

5. Stop the car - Stop the car as soon as you feel nauseous. Avoid distractions like mobile phones or books. 

6. Keep the body position stable – reduce movement of the head, shoulders, waist and knees. 

7. Sit in the front seat or drive yourself – this makes it easier to maintain balance. Avoid nicotine and smoking. 

8. Listen to soft music – This calms the mind and reduces nausea.