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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 2002.1
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Motion Sickness
What is motion sickness?
Motion sickness is when your child gets dizzy and nauseated
while riding in the car, a boat, train, airplane, or on
amusement park rides. Motion sickness is common, especially
in young children. The problem is due to an inherited
sensitivity of the equilibrium center located in the
semicircular canals (inner ear). It is not related to
emotional problems.
What is the treatment?
- Treatment for the nausea
Have your child lie down and keep a vomiting pan handy.
Give him only sips of clear fluids until his stomach
settles down. If your child goes to sleep, let him
sleep. Usually, children don't vomit more than once, and
all symptoms disappear in about 4 hours.
- Prevention of motion sickness with antinausea medicine
The best treatment for motion sickness is prevention.
Buy some nonprescription Dramamine at your drugstore.
Dramamine comes in 50-mg tablets and a 15-mg/teaspoon
liquid. The dosage is 1 teaspoon of liquid Dramamine for
children 2 to 6 years old, 1 tablet for children 6 to
12 years old, and 2 tablets for children over 12 years.
Give the Dramamine 1 hour before traveling or going to an
amusement park. The tablets give 6 hours of protection
and are very helpful.
Also, consider buying an acupressure wristband. This may
help your child during car, plane, or boat trips.
- Prevention and types of travel
- Car trips: It will help if your child sits in the
front seat and at window level. Do not look at books
or play games during car travel.
- Sea travel: Avoid it when practical. Otherwise, stay
on deck and look at the horizon.
- Air travel: Select a seat near the wings.
- Amusement parks: Avoid rides that spin.
- Meals: Eat light meals before or during trips.
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