What is it called when you get sick from flying?

The Unexpected Turbulence: Understanding Airsickness

Air travel, for many, is a thrilling experience, a gateway to new adventures. But for a significant portion of the population, the anticipation of a flight is overshadowed by the dread of airsickness – that unsettling feeling of nausea, dizziness, and overall malaise that can plague a journey at 30,000 feet. While commonly called “getting sick from flying,” the technical term for this malady is less dramatic: it’s simply motion sickness, specifically induced by the unique conditions of air travel.

The root cause of airsickness lies in a fascinating sensory disconnect. Our inner ear, a marvel of biological engineering, contains delicate structures responsible for detecting movement and balance. These structures, the semicircular canals and otoliths, meticulously monitor head position and acceleration. During flight, these sensors detect the plane’s movements – the ascent, descent, turns, and even minor turbulence.

However, the visual cues within the aircraft cabin often contradict this sensory input. Passengers typically experience a relatively stable visual environment. They may be reading a book, watching a movie, or simply gazing at the seemingly stationary cabin interior. This discrepancy between the inner ear’s perception of motion and the eyes’ perception of stillness creates a conflict, a sensory mismatch that our brains struggle to reconcile.

This conflict triggers the body’s natural response to motion sickness. The brain interprets the sensory conflict as a potential threat, a sign of poisoning or some other internal dysfunction. This triggers the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a cascade of unpleasant symptoms:

• Nausea: The most prevalent symptom, a feeling of sickness and impending vomiting.
• Vomiting: In more severe cases, nausea can progress to actual vomiting.
• Pale Skin: Reduced blood flow to the extremities can result in pallor.
• Cold Sweats: The body’s attempt to regulate temperature can lead to sweating.
• Dizziness and Vertigo: The inner ear’s confusion contributes to a feeling of disorientation.
• Headache: The overall stress on the body can manifest as a headache.

The severity of airsickness can vary drastically from person to person. Some individuals experience mild discomfort, while others find the experience debilitating. Several factors can influence susceptibility, including individual sensitivity, the severity of turbulence, and even the type of aircraft.

While there’s no single cure for airsickness, various preventative measures and treatments are available. These range from over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and scopolamine patches to simple strategies like focusing on the horizon, choosing a window seat, and avoiding strong smells. Understanding the physiological basis of airsickness—this sensory conflict—can empower individuals to better manage and potentially mitigate its effects, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable flight experience.