Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Motion Sickness (for Teenagers)
DESCRIPTION
Motion sickness is common. People 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
Lie down and keep a vomiting pan handy. Take only sips
of water (not soda pop) until your stomach settles down.
If you can go to sleep it will usually help. You
probably won'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. The dosage for
teenagers is 2 tablets taken 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 you sit in the front
seat. Look through the front window, not at objects
passing on the side. Do not read books 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.
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