What should you know about flight nausea?

Nausea that begins with turbulence or visual movement may reflect motion sickness. Nausea before boarding can accompany anxiety, while nausea with diarrhoea, fever, or abdominal cramps may point to an infection or food-related illness. Reflux, gastritis, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A, and low blood sugar are other possibilities, but nausea alone cannot identify a cause. Note when it starts, what you ate and drank, and whether you have pain, fever, or vomiting.

Take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, loosen tight clothing, and use cool air if available. Choose a light meal and avoid alcohol and very rich foods. Look at a stable point, keep your head still, and avoid reading if movement worsens the feeling. If you have diabetes or a condition affecting eating, carry the supplies and treatment your clinician has recommended. Ask a pharmacist before using an anti-nausea medicine.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal or chest pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, blood in vomit, yellowing of the eyes, or signs of significant dehydration. Obtain medical advice if nausea continues after the flight, repeatedly interrupts travel, or comes with fever, persistent diarrhoea, or unexplained weight loss.

Ask whether the pattern suggests motion sickness, reflux, infection, or another problem; which medicine is safe; and what to do if you cannot keep fluids down.