Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Excessive seasickness.
As a seafarer, I spend 8 to 10 months onboard ships annually. I am prone to severe seasickness, which causes vomiting and gas issues, particularly in rough sea conditions."
Answers (13)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hello. I have reviewed your concerns regarding severe seasickness and your current medical status.
Motion sickness (seasickness) occurs when there is a sensory conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ear (vestibular system) senses regarding movement. For a professional seafarer, this can be particularly debilitating.
1. Managing Motion Sickness with TB Medication
Since you are currently on Tuberculosis medicine, it is vital to avoid certain over-the-counter motion sickness drugs that may interact with your TB regimen or stress your liver.
Consult Your Physician: Before taking common medications like Meclizine or Promethazine, you must verify them with your TB specialist, as some anti-seizure or anti-nausea drugs can interfere with the efficacy of TB drugs or increase side effects.
Scopolamine Patches: These are often effective for long-duration sea travel but require a prescription and an assessment of your current health.
2. Non-Pharmacological Strategies
Focus on the Horizon: Look at a stable point in the distance to help your eyes and inner ear synchronize the sensation of movement.
Strategic Positioning: Stay in the middle of the ship, where the motion of the waves is felt the least.
Ginger and Acupressure: Natural ginger (tea or tablets) and "Sea-Bands" (which apply pressure to the P6 point on the wrist) can provide significant relief for many without the risk of drug interactions.
3. Dietary Considerations
Avoid Gastric Triggers: Since you mentioned "gas issues," stay away from spicy, acidic, or heavy foods during rough seas. Stick to bland, dry crackers and maintain steady hydration with small sips of water.
Next Steps:
Please provide the specific names of your TB medications. This will allow for a precise check of which anti-motion sickness medications are safest for you to use while onboard.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced stomach expert online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+108
Motion sickness (Seasickness) occurs when there is a conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ear (vestibular system) senses regarding motion. In rough sea conditions, this sensory mismatch is heightened, leading to nausea, vomiting, and secondary gastric distress like bloating or gas. Since you spend a significant part of the year at sea, managing this involves both pharmacological and behavioral interventions to help your brain 'habituate' to the ship's motion."
Next Steps
To reduce symptoms, try staying in the mid-ship area (where motion is minimal) and keep your eyes fixed on the stable horizon rather than looking down at a screen or book. Pharmacologically, medications like Cinnarizine or Promethazine can be very effective if taken 30-60 minutes before the sea gets rough. For the gas issues, avoid large, fatty meals and carbonated drinks, as they slow down gastric emptying and worsen nausea."
Health Tips
Many anti-motion sickness medications can cause significant drowsiness, which might interfere with your duties on board. It is essential to test how you react to these medications during a calm period or consult a doctor to find a non-drowsy alternative. If vomiting becomes severe and you cannot retain fluids, seek immediate medical attention from the ship’s medical officer to prevent dehydration."
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Seasickness is quite common and happens due to motion affecting the inner ear balance.
You can try Sitting in the middle of the boat and looking at the horizon ,Avoid heavy ,oily meals before travel also Stay well hydrated
If symptoms are frequent or severe, medications can help ,book a consultation so I can guide you with the right option.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Its due to gastritis.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
It is related to your occupation.
Needs acclimatisation
Health Tips
Avoid sudden change in surrounding
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Severe seasickness is common in individuals exposed to prolonged sea travel, especially in rough conditions. It occurs due to a mismatch between visual and vestibular inputs, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and bloating.
Management includes:
1. Preventive measures:
• Stay in the midship area where motion is least.
• Fix your gaze on the horizon to stabilize visual input.
• Avoid reading or screen use during motion.
• Ensure good ventilation and avoid strong odors.
2. Dietary modifications:
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid oily, spicy, and heavy foods before sailing.
• Prefer dry foods like biscuits or toast.
• Stay well hydrated.
3. Medications (prophylactic and symptomatic):
• Cinnarizine or Meclizine before travel.
• Scopolamine patch (if available) for longer protection.
• Dimenhydrinate for acute symptoms.
• Domperidone/Ondansetron for vomiting.
4. Adaptation:
• Symptoms often improve over time due to vestibular habituation.
Next Steps:
• Start prophylactic medication before boarding, especially if rough seas are expected.
• Carry antiemetics onboard for emergency use.
• If symptoms are persistent or worsening, consult a physician to rule out vestibular disorders.
Helpful Tips / Caution:
• Avoid alcohol as it worsens symptoms.
• Be cautious with sedating medications while on duty.
• Ginger supplements may provide mild relief in some individuals.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Sohan Kulria
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Firozabad
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Kindly do connect and consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Gastritis
Avoid spicy foods
Avoid coffee and tea in empty stomach
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.