Overcoming Nausea: Solutions for Frequent Divers Who Get Seasick - Diving Medicine

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Dealing with nausea, especially for frequent divers who experience seasickness, can be quite challenging. Your situation is not uncommon, as many individuals suffer from motion sickness, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness when exposed to certain types of movement, such as that experienced while diving or on a boat. Here are several strategies and solutions that might help you manage and potentially overcome this issue.


Understanding Motion Sickness
Motion sickness occurs when there is a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear (the vestibular system) senses. For divers, the combination of the boat's movement and the underwater environment can exacerbate this disconnect, leading to nausea and vomiting. While you mentioned that you do not experience nausea when riding in a car frequently, the unique conditions of being on a boat or diving can trigger your symptoms more acutely.


Medication Options
1. Over-the-Counter Antihistamines: Medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Antivert) are commonly used to prevent motion sickness. These medications work best when taken before you start your activity, ideally about an hour before diving or boarding a boat. However, they can cause drowsiness, which may not be ideal for diving.

2. Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter options are not effective, you might consider discussing prescription medications with your doctor. Scopolamine patches, which are placed behind the ear, can provide relief for up to three days and are often used for longer trips.

3. Ginger Supplements: Some studies suggest that ginger can help alleviate nausea. You might consider taking ginger capsules or consuming ginger tea before diving.


Behavioral Strategies
1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea, so ensure you are well-hydrated before and during your diving activities.

2. Choose Your Position Wisely: When on a boat, try to stay in the middle where the motion is less pronounced. If you are diving, ensure you are comfortable and relaxed before entering the water.

3. Focus on the Horizon: If you start feeling nauseous, focusing on a stable point on the horizon can help your brain reconcile the conflicting signals it is receiving.

4. Breathing Techniques: Deep, controlled breathing can help calm your body and reduce feelings of nausea. Try inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth.

5. Avoid Heavy Meals: Before diving, avoid heavy or greasy meals that can exacerbate nausea. Instead, opt for light snacks.


Alternative Therapies
1. Acupressure: Some individuals find relief through acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to specific points on the wrist that may help reduce nausea.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): If your nausea is significantly impacting your ability to dive, consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in CBT. They can help you develop coping strategies and address any anxiety related to diving.

3. Gradual Exposure: If possible, gradually expose yourself to the conditions that trigger your nausea. Start with short boat rides or shallow dives and slowly increase the duration and intensity as your body adapts.


Conclusion
While dealing with seasickness can be frustrating, there are multiple strategies you can employ to help manage your symptoms. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, especially since you are involved in activities like diving that require a clear mind and good physical condition. By combining medication, behavioral strategies, and alternative therapies, you may find a solution that allows you to enjoy diving without the discomfort of nausea.