What to do if you feel nauseous during bus trips: effective tips

According to statistics, 5-10% of the adult population suffers from motion sickness throughout their lives. For children, the situation is even worse – up to 58% of kids under 12 years old have trouble with transportation. It doesn’t matter what type of transport it is – bus, car, airplane, train, or even carousel rides.

Why do these symptoms occur? It's all about the vestibular system. To put it simply, the brain receives conflicting information, as if the body is stationary, while the eyes see movement or swaying. This results in standard sensations: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, and general discomfort.

But what to do if you feel sick on a bus and need to travel, for example, for a business trip? Or if a vacation to a distant place is planned? Let's try to explain everything step by step and give recommendations to improve well-being.

Why can you feel nauseous on a bus?

A bus ride involves consistent swaying, sometimes shaking. People with vestibular disorders feel unwell from such a ride. However, even passengers not prone to motion sickness may suddenly feel nauseous. Various reasons can cause this:

1. Heat and stuffiness in the cabin: Lack of oxygen and overheating can cause discomfort. It's worth opening a window or getting some fresh air at stops if possible.

2. Overeating: If you had a hearty meal before the trip, constant shaking might cause a reaction. Trying to fill up in advance with very fatty food can disrupt digestion.

3. Various unpleasant smells in the cabin: Different people ride the bus, carrying products and belongings. Sometimes there are unpleasant odors that can cause nausea. In such a case, you’ll have to endure and try to distract yourself.

Other factors leading to motion sickness include alcohol abuse, tight or hot clothing, and various accompanying diseases.

What can you do before the trip to avoid nausea?

To minimize the possibility of motion sickness, some measures can be taken before boarding the bus or any other transport. Here are some recommendations for preparing for a trip:

1. Light snack: Avoid fatty and very filling foods. Even if the trip is long, it's better to take a small snack and eat it in portions.

2. Drink more water: Stay hydrated before the trip, but don’t overdo it to avoid needing urgent stops. Hydration helps reduce stress and unpleasant sensations.

3. Take a pill: There are special remedies for motion sickness. Self-medication is not recommended – a doctor should prescribe the medication. Follow the dosage indicated in the instructions or prescription.

These are simple rules that can be supplemented by individual preferences. If, for example, you feel better traveling on an empty stomach, then do so.

What should you do during the trip to avoid nausea on the bus?

In addition to preventive measures, think ahead about what to do to avoid motion sickness during the ride. A set of actions has been developed to help alleviate motion sickness symptoms and their consequences. What exactly can you do? Read the experts' tips.

Choosing the right seat in transport

Based on practice, the rear of the bus causes the most motion sickness. It accumulates the most odors and dust and experiences the most shaking. Therefore, when planning a trip, choose a seat in the front. Ideally, sit between the front and rear wheels, closer to the center of gravity of the bus. Here, the shaking and abrupt changes in body position are less intense, reducing the strain on the vestibular system.

Focusing on the horizon

Since motion sickness results from the mismatch of impulses from different organs, focus on the road. Visually helping your brain receive more relevant impulses will synchronize them with signals from the inner ear.

You've probably noticed that passengers prone to motion sickness often request to sit near a window or at the front. Few know why this helps, but intuitively feel it will be easier.

More oxygen

The more fresh air, the easier it is to travel. If no passengers object, open a window. Long-distance buses have special ventilation equipment for each seat. Aim it at yourself and relax.

Avoid watching movies and reading

Concentrating on stationary objects inside the cabin instead of the horizon increases the mismatch between the eyes and body. Therefore, avoid reading, watching videos, or texting. This is harmful even to healthy people without motion sickness symptoms.

Use gadgets

There are many motion sickness remedies on the market. Special bracelets are available that you wear on your wrist. According to manufacturers, they help reduce nausea, although this is not proven. However, some passengers confirm their usefulness. If they minimize discomfort through a placebo effect, it’s worth trying.

Lozenges and chewing candies

Vitamin C lozenges help block histamine release and alleviate nausea. Instead of candies, you can eat a small piece of lime, a sour apple, or drink green tea with lemon. Ginger is also an effective remedy for reducing these symptoms, available in cookies, lozenges, or powder.

Breathing exercises

Even breathing in and out helps improve well-being. If you experience panic attacks, breathing exercises can help. An oxygenated brain copes better with instability and mismatched signals, eventually bringing relief.

Sleep – a true rescue

Sleep is the best remedy for motion sickness. When we sleep, worries and discomfort move to the background. Stabilize your head with a neck pillow, turn on the ventilation, relax, and try to sleep.

Conversations and entertainment

If watching movies and reading are off-limits, listening to music can help. It allows you to focus on the melody and lyrics, distracting from unpleasant sensations. No music? Talk to your neighbor. If they don’t mind, discuss common interests, making the travel time pass more pleasantly.

What to do after the trip?

Upon reaching your destination, get to your accommodation and rest as much as possible. Take a shower (it relaxes) and settle into a comfortable bed. After a short time, you will recover, and all symptoms will disappear. Remember to hydrate and eat lightly – water, unsweetened tea, and a light snack will help. Let your body recover before diving into your trip's purpose.

Conclusion

Motion sickness is quite common, but it shouldn’t hinder a full life. Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of traveling due to temporary discomfort. Taking all necessary measures can help manage the symptoms. Modern methods can prevent motion sickness consequences if you strictly follow the recommendations. Everyone is different, so various remedies are offered. One of them will surely suit your needs.

And one more tip: don’t be ashamed of motion sickness. If nothing helps, talk to the driver. A short stop won’t harm the schedule but will allow you to get some fresh air and continue your journey in better condition. Happy travels and good health!