According to Dr. Mohsin Wali, senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, motion sickness occurs because the brain receives mismatched signals sent by various body parts. Having been sitting in a moving vehicle reading or looking down then according to him, your eyes inform the brain that you are stationary. But the balance system in the inner ear works out the motion and transmits a different message.

This incompatibility confuses the brain which can think of it as an indicator that something poisonous has found its way into the body. The brain then triggers vomiting as a protective response. Looking outside the window helps align visual and balance signals, reducing discomfort.

According to a report by BBC correspondent Katya Moskovich (2015), 1 in every 3 individuals has experienced motion sickness at some time. It was also reported that it is hard to know when and who will be affected and no permanent remedy is there.

According to Dr. Manjari Tripathi of the Neurology Department at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), the vestibular system which is found in the inner ear is important in the sense of keeping the body in balance. When one is travelling, power received by the brain by the eyes, ears and muscles might not fit in. This hyperstimulation may cause the activation of such portions of the brain as the brainstem and hypothalamus, causing nausea and vomiting.

Motion sickness is in simple words simply a result of an imbalance between the visual perception, on one side, and inner ear and body sense on the other side.

Different people have different degrees of travel sickness. Others experience sickness soon after embarking on a journey and others get sick after long journeys. Symptoms can be worsened by factors like uphill roads or downhill roads, continuous vibration of the vehicle, poor ventilation and unpleasant odour.

Dr. Wali also mentions that the fluid movement within the brain during traveling may cause vibrations, which will affect the balance and cause nausea. Vomiting can take place when the levels of discomfort are extreme. All these combined are referred to as motion sickness.

Diet also plays an important role. Riding with a hungry stomach may over stimulate the vagus nerve that leads to the stomach, heart and throat. Conversely, a heavy meal taken prior to traveling may also lead to vomiting. Physicians therefore suggest taking a light meal prior to embarking on a trip.

Although motion sickness is not normally harmful, Dr. Wali cautions that in regular cases, vomiting during a travel may be an indicator of underlying medical condition e.g. a neurological disorder, or even medication side effects. It can even in uncommon instances be associated with a brain tumor. Symptoms that are persistent or extreme should never be ignored by the doctor.

How to Prevent Vomiting While Traveling

Eat light meals or snacks before traveling: Avoid heavy meals that can upset your stomach, but also don’t travel on an empty stomach, as both extremes can trigger nausea.

Take medication if prescribed: Anti-nausea medication can help prevent motion sickness. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Choose your seat wisely: Sit facing forward, ideally in the front seat, and keep your head and body as still as possible. Focusing on the horizon or looking outside the window can help your brain synchronize movement signals.

Avoid distractions: Reading books or using mobile phones in a moving vehicle can worsen motion sickness. Similarly, sleeping while the vehicle is in motion may increase the risk of vomiting.

Minimize irritants: Avoid smoking or consuming nicotine during travel, as it can make nausea worse. Keep the vehicle well-ventilated and steer clear of unpleasant smells.

Use music wisely: Listening to light, upbeat music can help calm your mind and reduce nausea, making the journey more comfortable.

Seek help when needed: If vomiting is continuous or severe, do not ignore it. Stop traveling if necessary and seek medical attention.

Beat motion sickness with a light meal, a forward-facing seat, and a clear view; so that nausea doesn’t steal your journey.