What is Sea Sickness?

Sea sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a common condition that affects many people when they travel by sea. It occurs due to a mismatch between the visual and vestibular systems of the body.

Causes of Sea Sickness

Sea sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ears, eyes, and other parts of the body that sense motion. When you are on a boat or ship, the inner ear senses movement, but if your eyes do not see the same motion, the brain gets confused, leading to the symptoms of sea sickness.

Symptoms of Sea Sickness

The symptoms of sea sickness can vary in severity but generally include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased salivation
• Pale skin

For some, these symptoms can be mild and manageable, but for others, they can be debilitating and severely impact their ability to enjoy or even endure their time on the water.

Treatment of Sea Sickness

When experiencing sea sickness, several treatment options can help alleviate symptoms:

• Over-the-counter antihistamines are commonly used.
• Prescription medication patches can also be effective.
• Ginger, in various forms such as ginger tea, capsules, or even ginger ale, can help reduce nausea.
• Acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to points on the wrist, are a popular non-pharmaceutical option.
• Keeping hydrated by sipping water or a rehydration solution can help manage symptoms, especially if vomiting has occurred.
• Eating light, bland foods before and during your time on the water can prevent nausea. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods.

Preventing Sea Sickness

To prevent sea sickness, especially if you are prone to severe symptoms, consider the following strategies:

• Choose a cabin or seating area in the middle of the ship, where movement is less pronounced.
• If possible, stay on deck where you can look at the horizon.
• Minimise exposure to strong smells, such as those from the engine or cooking areas, which can trigger nausea.
• Taking anti-motion sickness medication an hour before departure can pre-empt symptoms.
• Keeping your eyes on a fixed point, such as the horizon, helps align the visual and vestibular signals to your brain.
• Engage in activities that keep your mind off the motion, like light conversation or reading (if they do not worsen symptoms).

Severe Sea Sickness

In rare cases, sea sickness can become a severe medical issue, particularly if it leads to prolonged vomiting and dehydration. If sea sickness is extreme and persistent, it can result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood pressure, and nutritional deficiencies due to the inability to eat.

When sea sickness reaches this level of severity, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to rehydrate and restore electrolyte balance. Additionally, prescription medications can be administered to control nausea and vomiting more effectively.