Friday, May 18, 2012

What Causes Motion Sickness in Children and How to Relieve it


Does your child always complain of headache and vomiting when they were on the way? Motion sickness is so disturbing, not only for others who are around your children, but also for your child. So, can this be overcome? What exactly makes children feel motion sickness when they are on a car, boat or other vehicle? Here are the things you should know about the cause of your child feel motion sickness during the trip and how relieve it:

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness can occur at any age, including in children. Motion sickness occurs when the vestibular system (balance center in the inner ear) is disturbed. Disruption of the the vestibular system will stimulate the production of histamine that will stimulate the brain causing a reaction of nausea and vomiting. For example, when on the road, sitting position is not balanced or being read in a vehicle that was speeding.

Factors that influence motion sickness

There are several factors that affect the child so that they feel motion sickness during the trip:
  1. Heredity.
    If parents always motion sickness, then the children are also at risk of experiencing the same thing.
  2. Unhealthy body or the immune system being down.
    This condition causes your children are very susceptible to changes that occur in their body.
  3. Empty stomach while travelling.
    An empty stomach causes the production of excess acid. Excessive production of acid will irritate the stomach, and this will stimulate the nausea reflex.
  4. Uncomfortable automobile suspension system will giving rise to shocks on passengers.
  5. Bumpy road conditions.

Solutions to relieve motion sickness
  1. Make sure the body and health of children is in good condition during the trip because of physical strength will usually reduce the risk of motion sickness.
  2. Always bring fruit, especially citrus. If your child begins to feel symptoms of nausea, citrus aroma and flavor is quite helpful and re-invigorating the body.
  3. Teach your child to clench their hands, and relax the fingers and toes repeatedly to invigorate blood circulation. Also, give a massage on the fingers and palms of hands to help relieve mild dizziness.
  4. Open the car windows to make the circulation of fresh air into the car. If more severe nausea, pull over and stop for a moment. Get out and do moderate exercise, or walking around the car to neutralize the effect of the accumulation of vibration nuisance. This method is very effective for preventing nausea and vomiting, especially for children.

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