Guide
Motion sickness — how to help yourself
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
Motion sickness (travel or sea sickness) is nausea, sweating and dizziness during movement in a car, boat, plane or train. It happens when the senses of motion send conflicting signals to the brain. It is usually unpleasant but harmless and responds to simple measures. Below we explain what helps; for frequent or severe complaints, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Why it happens
Motion sickness arises from a mismatch between what the eyes see and the movement felt by the inner ear — for example when reading in a moving car. That is why looking at the horizon often helps. Children and people who have already experienced it are more prone to it.
How to prevent it
It helps to sit at the front or in a place with less motion, to look ahead at the horizon, to get fresh air and to avoid reading and screens during the trip. A light snack before setting off and avoiding heavy, fatty food and alcohol also reduce the risk. Breaks on a long journey help.
What may ease it
Some people use over-the-counter motion-sickness remedies or acupressure wristbands; the effect is individual. Fresh air, focusing on the horizon and slower, steady driving also help. For a suitable remedy and dosing, especially in children and pregnancy, consult a pharmacist.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for severe, lasting dizziness that also occurs outside travel, for dizziness with hearing loss, ringing in the ears, headache or neurological complaints, and if motion sickness strongly limits everyday life. These signs may point to another cause that needs assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I feel sick only when I read in the car?
Because the eyes, focused on the text, 'tell' the brain you are still, while the inner ear senses the movement. This mismatch triggers the nausea. Looking ahead at the horizon usually reduces the complaints.
What helps quickly with motion sickness?
Fresh air, looking at the horizon, stopping for a short break and avoiding screens often ease it. Some people use over-the-counter remedies or acupressure bands with an individual effect. For severe or frequent motion sickness, consult a pharmacist.
Are there motion-sickness remedies for children?
Over-the-counter remedies exist, but the suitable products and doses in children differ and some have age restrictions. So the choice is best made with a pharmacist or doctor. Non-medicine measures (a front seat, fresh air, looking ahead) also help.
Can I prevent motion sickness in advance?
Yes, to a large extent — by choosing a seat with less motion, looking ahead, a light meal before the trip, fresh air and avoiding reading. Some remedies are taken before setting off as directed. For regular long journeys, consult a pharmacist.
Is motion sickness dangerous?
It is usually unpleasant but harmless and subsides after the trip ends. If the dizziness is severe, continues outside travel or is accompanied by hearing loss, ringing in the ears or neurological symptoms, see a doctor to rule out another cause.