|
Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Motion Sickness
DESCRIPTION
Motion sickness is common, especially in young children.
Children who get dizzy and nauseated in the car are also
prone to becoming seasick, trainsick, airsick, and sick on
amusement park rides. The problem is due to an inherited
sensitivity of the equilibrium center located in the
semicircular canals (inner ear). It is not related to
emotional problems.
HOME CARE
- Treatment for the nausea
Have your child lie down and keep a vomiting pan handy.
Give him only sips of clear fluids until his stomach
settles down. If your child goes to sleep, let him
sleep. Usually, children don't vomit more than once,
and all symptoms disappear in about 4 hours.
- Prevention of motion sickness with antinausea medicine
The best treatment for motion sickness is prevention.
Buy some nonprescription Dramamine at your drugstore.
Dramamine comes in 50-mg tablets and a 15-mg/teaspoon
liquid. The dosage is 1 teaspoon of liquid Dramamine
for children 2 to 6 years old, 1 tablet for children 6
to 12 years old, and 2 tablets for children over
12 years. Give the Dramamine 1 hour before traveling or
going to an amusement park. The tablets give 6 hours of
protection and are very helpful.
- Prevention and types of travel
- Car trips: It will help if your child sits in the
front seat and at window level. Do not look at books
or play games during car travel.
- Sea travel: Avoid it.
- Air travel: Select a seat near the wings.
- Amusement parks: Avoid rides that spin.
- Meals: Eat light meals before or during trips.
|
