Another Bag to Pack

The thing I most remember about a recent fishing trip to British Columbia was the last thing I had given any thought to - sea sickness. However, a severe bout of "the heaves" served as a pointed reminder that even old sea dogs and frequent flyers can occasionally succumb to motion sickness - an episode that can make what should be a memorable experience a very forgettable one.

Characterized primarily by nausea and vomiting, motion sickness (vertigo) is a disorder caused by the repetitive angular and linear acceleration / deceleration associated with all types of travel. Motion sickness is sometimes described as neural confusion between the eye, inner ear and the body's sense of position. Although susceptibility varies greatly, anglers travelling to distant sites by car, train or plane (especially in turbulent weather), or those on the water during rough water conditions or for extended periods, are particularly susceptible to motion sickness. Irregular visual stimuli, poor ventilation and some emotional factors act in concert to produce the symptoms and effects often associated with vertigo.

Symptoms

yawning and / or hyperventilation
pallor & cold sweats
profuse salivation
air "hunger"
dizziness
drowsiness and / or fatigue
headache

Effects

cyclic / repetitive bouts of nausea & vomiting
general discomfort & weakness
inability to concentrate
dehydration

Travel experience / exposure can produce adaptive responses and diminish susceptibility (at times). Some travellers learn to decrease sensory input, control nausea and counter some of the symptoms and effects of motion sickness. More susceptible individuals should re-locate to the area of least motion (i.e. midship, over the wings of a plane), sit in a reclined position with head braced, avoid reading, gaze slightly upward during travel, insure there is a constant supply of fresh air and good ventilation, avoid alcohol and dietary excesses immediately prior to and during travel.

Pharmacological Medications

Scopolamine (e.g. Transderm patch) *
Meclizine (e.g. Antivert, Bonamine) **
Dimenhydrinate (e.g. Gravol, Dramamine) *
Diphenhydramine (e.g. Benadryl, Nytol) *
Promethazine (e.g. Phenergan) **
Cyclizine (e.g. Marzine) **
Prochlorperazine (e.g. Stemetil, Compazine) **

*     over the counter drug
**     prescription drug

This list is not prescriptive and is for information purposes only. All medicines produce side effects and may not be suitable for some individuals.