Nausea when driving

Motion sickness occurs when signals from the eyes and inner ear do not match, often during turns, traffic or travel as a passenger. Hunger, dehydration, heat, strong smells and anxiety can intensify it. Nausea may also accompany acid reflux, gastritis, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, gallstones, heat exhaustion or low blood sugar. A new pattern, symptoms outside the car, or faintness deserves medical review.

Signal, pull over safely, park and leave the controls until you feel fully alert. Get fresh air, loosen tight clothing and take small sips of water. Avoid reading or using a screen, and keep the vehicle cool. Do not drive after taking a medicine that causes drowsiness; ask a pharmacist about timing and interactions before trying motion-sickness treatment.

Get urgent help for fainting, chest pain, severe headache, confusion, weakness on one side, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, blood in vomit, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a medical review when episodes recur, begin without motion, or continue after the journey.

Ask whether your symptoms fit motion sickness, whether a medicine is suitable for your route, and whether another condition needs checking. Describe your meals, fluids, sleep, symptoms between journeys, hearing or balance changes, and any prescribed medicines.