Nausea when flying

The movement of the aircraft can create conflicting signals between balance organs and vision. Turbulence, looking down, strong smells, anxiety, a heavy meal, dehydration and alcohol may worsen nausea. Acid reflux, gastritis, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, gallstones, heat exhaustion and low blood sugar can also cause nausea during travel, even when motion is not the main cause.

Choose a seat with a steadier forward view when possible, keep the air vent directed toward your face, and focus on a fixed distant point. Eat a light meal, sip fluids, and avoid alcohol and rich foods. Ask a pharmacist before travel about motion-sickness medicine, especially if pregnant or taking other medicines, because drowsiness can occur.

Tell the cabin crew promptly if you have repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, breathing trouble, blood in vomit, or signs of dehydration. Seek urgent assessment after landing if symptoms are severe, unusual for you, or continue when you are no longer moving.

Ask which medicine and timing are appropriate, whether your current health conditions change the advice, and what symptoms should delay travel. Explain whether nausea happens in cars or boats, your history of migraine or reflux, recent illness, pregnancy possibility and current medicines.