The wind is blowing, the snow is falling, and the temperature is below freezing. But you don’t care. You’ve made plans to get away from the Midwest winter and trade cabin fever for a ship’s cabin.

Cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years, and so has the search for a remedy for motion sickness. At one time or another, most people have experienced motion sickness from riding in a car, airplane, amusement park ride, or ship. Susceptibility to motion sickness varies from person to person, with some experiencing only minor discomfort to those who are incapacitated by it.

Motion sickness results when the inner ear (balance) and the eyes (visual) send conflicting signals to the brain. The inner ear may detect rolling motion the eye can’t perceive and conversely, the eye may sense motion not detected by the inner ear. Nausea and dizziness are the most common symptoms and they may progress to vomiting.

Not exactly a great recipe for a memorable cruise, is it? If you suffer from motion sickness, there are things you can do to control, if not eliminate, the problem.

First, relax. If you expect to be sick, you probably will be. Anxiety plays a big role in your susceptibility to motion sickness. Take slow, deep breaths. Involuntary rapid and shallow breathing can exacerbate symptoms. Good ventilation and fresh air help. Spend as much time as possible on deck in the fresh air. While on deck look forward, keep your eyes on the horizon. When below deck, stay in interior areas of the ship where there is less motion. Don’t read. Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid dairy products and foods that are high in salt and/or are rich, greasy, and high in calories. But do eat. An empty stomach can be as bad as eating the wrong foods. Drink plenty of liquids, but not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Carbonated beverages can help ease a queazy stomach. For some people, ginger&emdash;ginger ale or ginger candy&emdash;helps relieve the unpleasant symptoms.

If this still doesn’t sound like the relaxing getaway you planned, there is the medication route. Over-the-counter and prescription products can help suppress the part of the brain that triggers the symptoms of motion sickness.

"If people have chronic medical problems they should contact their physician before they take any of the over-the-counter drugs for motion sickness," says Karla Wools-Kaloustian, M.D., University of Iowa Health Care Travel Services. "As an alternative to over-the-counter medications, I recommend travelers contact their health care provider about a prescription for a 'patch.'"

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Traveler’s medicine kit

Prescription medications

• Keep in original bottle
• Transport in carry-on luggage
• Take more than enough to last the trip

Cold remedies

• Cough syrup
• Acetaminophen
• Antihistamine/decongestant

Skin products

• Sunscreen (SPF greater than 15)
• Lip balm
• Topical antibiotic ointment
• Topical cortisone (for rashes and bites)
• Body lotion (with aloe for sunburn)
• Disinfectant for cuts
• Athlete’s foot powder

Insect repellents

• Should contain D.E.E.T.

First aid/miscellaneous

• Bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Sewing kit
• Water purification tablets

For women

• Sanitary napkins/tampons
• Yeast infection medication

For children

• Nasal aspirator bulb
• Child-appropriate medications
• Extra patience

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• MedicineNet.com: Motion sickness
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Traveler’s Health

Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These links are here for general information only, and should not be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions, please contact UI Health Access.

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