Motion sickness
Motion sickness or travel sickness or kinetosis is commonly experienced by many persons in symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, nausea and headache. In most cases, travel sickness occurs when there is differences in perception of actual movement and the vestibular system.
Carsickness: happens more to those who are looking at the interiors of the car.
Airsickness: is a form of motion sickness that affects balance and equilibrium and is more common during aircraft tilts and interior seats.
Seasickness: occurs when a person experiences vertigo and nausea on traveling over water. The boat's rocking movement induces motion sickness.
Typically this form of travel sickness is treated with antihistamines and sedatives.
Morning Sickness
Morning Sickness is a term used to indicate nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness affects different women differently. While some have trouble keeping any food down for a few months, others may not have too much discomfort. During the first trimester, the pregnant woman's body undergoes major changes to accomodate the growing fetus. There are chemical changes in the body caused by rapidly increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. There is also considerable build-up of hCG in the initial months of pregnancy. There is a severe condition of morning sickness - Hyperemesis Gravidarum that can be life threatening.
Tips to combat morning sickness:
- Eat small meals at frequent intervals
- Avoid spicy and greasy food
- Avoid coffee and alcohol
- Snack on plain crackers, dry toast or dry cereal
- Keep yourself well hydrated with plenty of water and fluids
- Avoid smells that bother you
- Supplements of Vitamin B6 can help alleviate morning sickness
- Drink ginger tea or peppermint tea to combat nausea
Mountain sickness
Mountain sickness or altitude sickness occurs as a result of lower oxygen at higher altitude along with reduced air pressure. It is a series of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea and loss of appetite. Mountain sickness happens with those who have tried to reach faster. If a person suffering from a severe episode of altitude sickness, problems such as shortness of breath, cyanosis, chest constriction and inability to walk might be noticed. It is easier to treat the early signs of mountain sickness. Returning to lower altitude is the safest step. Additional oxygen must be given. Severe symptoms that might arise are pulmonary edema, cerebral edema or retinal hemorrhage. Rest and oxygen usually helps most persons suffering mountain sickness. Aspirin can be taken for headache but sleeping medications must not be taken as they can slow down breathing. A diuretic like Acetazolamide is prescribed. High altitude edema is best treated with Nifedipine.
Bibliography / Reference
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