Air sickness

Air sickness is a sensation which is typically characterized by a feeling of nausea and vertigo, often experienced when one is in an aircraft or other forms of air travel. It is a specific form of motion sickness, and is considered a normal response in healthy individuals. Air sickness occurs when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from the body affecting balance and equilibrium.

Causes

Air sickness is caused by a conflict between the body's vestibular system, which helps control balance and eye movements, and the visual and proprioceptive systems. When the vestibular system and the eyes send conflicting information to the brain about the body's movement, the result is often nausea, vertigo, and other symptoms of air sickness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of air sickness can vary from mild discomfort to severe nausea and vomiting. Other common symptoms include dizziness, sweating, salivation, pallor, headache, fatigue, and discomfort. Symptoms can be exacerbated by certain activities such as reading, looking out of the window, or focusing on one point.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment of air sickness can involve both behavioral and pharmacological strategies. Behavioral strategies include choosing a seat where motion is felt least, looking at the horizon, avoiding reading or watching screens, and avoiding heavy meals before travel. Pharmacological treatments include antihistamines, scopolamine, and promethazine.

See Also

• Motion sickness
• Sea sickness
• Space adaptation syndrome