Experiencing Dizziness During Plane Landings
I am a 23-year-old male, standing at 5'8" and weighing 190 pounds. I don't take any medications and I don't smoke; overall, my health is fairly good. For the past two years, I've faced issues with dizziness and vertigo whenever I fly. Strikingly, this sensation only occurs during the plane's descent. The pattern is consistently the same: - I begin to notice nystagmus. - A wave of dizziness hits me. - I start to feel nauseated. - Eventually, I vomit. This dreadful feeling persists until the aircraft has completely stopped. Even then, it often takes about 15 minutes before I can muster the strength to get out of my seat and walk around. There are instances where I carry this unease throughout the entire day. Despite my attempts to alleviate the symptoms—ranging from using anti-nausea medications to different positions during landing (either lying down or remaining upright), as well as methods like keeping my eyes shut, maintaining a fixed gaze, or focusing downwards—nothing seems effective. Staying well-hydrated hasn't changed my situation either. My last resort is to try Dramamine, although I am hesitant about its potential to make me feel drowsy for the whole day.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 7:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and distress related to dizziness and vertigo during plane descents, which is challenging. You're not alone; many people encounter similar symptoms while flying. Let's break down potential causes and what you can do about it.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms during descent (dizziness, nystagmus, nausea, and vomiting) could be related to vestibular issues or motion sickness.
- It’s important to focus on strategies to manage these symptoms effectively.
Explanation:
Dizziness and vertigo during flights—especially during descent—can stem from changes in pressure affecting your inner ear, which helps control balance. The sensations you mentioned, like nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), and vomiting are common responses to conflicts between sensory signals your body is receiving during rapid altitude changes. These symptoms may feel particularly severe if you've had trouble with motion sickness in the past.
Next Steps:
1. Try Medication (Dramamine) with Caution:
- Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) can help prevent nausea. If you decide to try it, use it an hour before your flight. While drowsiness can be a side effect, many people find it manageable and the anti-nausea effect can be worth it. Consider using the non-drowsy formula if available, or meclizine as an alternative.
2. Stay Consistent with Preparation:
- Avoid heavy meals or alcohol before flying, as they can exacerbate nausea.
- Position yourself on the aisle seat for easier access to the lavatory if nausea arises.
- Focus on breathing techniques during descent—take slow, deep breaths.
3. Use Physical Techniques:
- During descent, try to keep your head still and avoid sudden movements. Look towards the horizon if possible—this can help with grounding your body in motion.
4. Consider an Acupressure Wristband:
- Some people find relief from motion sickness by using acupressure wristbands that target specific pressure points.
5. Keep a Travel Journal:
- Document when you fly, what you eat, how you feel before and after, and any remedies you used. This could help identify patterns and triggers, and also provide information helpful for future discussions with professionals.
6. Stay Positive and Calm:
- Before your upcoming flight, practice relaxation exercises or visualization techniques to help ease your anxiety related to flying.
If you try these strategies and don't see improvement, it may be helpful to explore this further with a healthcare provider, particularly if you have any concerns about more serious conditions or other underlying health issues.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance. Safe travels!
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