How to prevent airplane sickness on long-haul flights

Many passengers will experience some form of air sickness during long flights. The body can find it hard to adjust to lower pressure, less oxygen and drier air. Long haul flights to the USA or India can become tiresome, but even short flights to Spain or Portugal can cause problems. The inner ear may react badly to differences of pressure and the brain can be confused by contradictory messages and unusual motion. Common symptoms of air sickness include nausea, dizziness, headaches, dehydration, sweating, vomiting and general grogginess. Young children and women seem to be more susceptible. There is no magic answer to the problem of airplane sickness but the following tips can help make your flight more enjoyable.

 

Try to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and coffee during the flight. Sparkling water may be better than sugar-rich fizzy drinks. The dehydrating effects of alcohol are accentuated on-board a plane. You should also avoid alcohol the day before the flight. Pack for flights well in advance and allow plenty of time for your trip to the airport. Tiredness and stress will make air sickness worse. Chew gum, suck sweets or swallow water to stop ears hurting during take-off and landing. It may be unwise to eat a heavy meal just before the flight. Fatty food and strong-smelling spicy food should be avoided.

 

Ideally you should sit in the middle of the plane, where there is less movement and less shaking. Reserving seats over the wings is a god option. Most passengers find window seats more relaxing than aisle seats. Most cheap flights allow you to choose your seat so you may wish to be among the first in the queue.

 

Some people find reading can increase the feeling of air sickness. If this is the case you should try to focus on objects in the distance. Use the overheard air vent to direct fresh air at your face. Stale air is a major cause of nausea. Minimise movement. Staying seated is normally the best policy. You want to minimise the amount of confusing messages to the brain. Being near other passengers with air sickness is unlikely to help. Listen to some music if others are talking about feeling ill.

 

Tips for stopping air sickness frequently recommend ginger and nutmeg. Ginger tea or ginger extract can help settle the stomach. Peppermint can be helpful for alleviating nausea and preventing vomiting. Other travellers swear by vitamin B6 or special acupressure wristbands.

 

Ask your doctor how to stop air sickness on long flights. medical treatments for air-sickness include medicines like Bonine and Dramamine. Patches are available to counter headache and feelings of nausea and drowsiness. If it is any consolation you will find that most frequent fliers say the symptoms of air sickness decrease the more you fly.