Travel Sickness & Nausea
Travel sickness (motion sickness) causes nausea and dizziness during travel by car, boat, plane or train, due to a mismatch between what the eyes see and what the inner ear senses
About travel sickness & nausea
The inner ear's balance system detects motion that doesn't always match visual input, particularly when reading or looking at close objects while moving, confusing the brain's sense of balance and triggering nausea. It's more common in children and can improve with age, though some adults remain prone to it
Treatments
Symptoms
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Cold sweats
• Pale skin
• Vomiting
• A general feeling of unease that improves once movement stops
Diagnosis
Travel sickness is diagnosed from the clear link between symptoms and travel or motion, without further tests needed in typical cases
Treatment
Antihistamine-based travel sickness tablets (such as those containing cinnarizine or hyoscine) taken before travel can prevent or reduce symptoms, working by calming the balance signals sent to the brain. Some cause drowsiness, which is worth considering before driving
Prevention and self-care
• Take medication in advance, as directed, rather than after symptoms start
• Sit where movement is felt least, such as the front seat of a car or over the wings on a plane
• Look at the horizon or a fixed distant point rather than close objects
• Avoid reading or screens while travelling if prone to sickness
• Get fresh air and avoid heavy meals or alcohol before travelling
• Take regular breaks on long journeys where possible
Reviewed by Hamza Iqbal Naheed, Superintendent Pharmacist, GPhC 2209194 (check the register) · Last updated 22 September 2026