'Byahilo': Understanding and managing motion sickness

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"Byahilo," from the words byahe and hilo, is a motion sickness experience that can affect almost anyone during travel by land, air, or sea.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Dr. Charles Anthony M. Mendez, an ENT-facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and aesthetics and age management specialist, explained that motion sickness is a phenomenon wherein the brain gets confused from the eyes, ears, and body posture, which are the three organ systems that regulate the balance in our body.

“When the vehicle is moving, our eyes may be stationary and fixated in a device while our inner ear senses that the car is moving. In this instance, there is a mismatch as our brain gets confused and doesn't know what to believe (stationary versus in-motion), hence it will react by making us feel sick and trigger the vomiting center in the brain making us feel nauseated,” Dr. Mendez said.

Car sickness is primarily triggered by stop-and-go traffic, sudden movements on winding roads, or using gadgets.

Seasickness is caused by the rocking motion of a boat, especially when there are rough waves, while airsickness can be triggered by turbulence or the motions during a plane's takeoff and landing.

“Motion sickness is not a pathological condition or a disease in its strict sense, but rather a normal response from a sensory conflict or stimulus. It may manifest commonly with nausea, vomiting, yawning, sighing, headache, and the like," he added.

Are there people more susceptible to byahilo than others?

While almost everyone can experience motion sickness, certain individuals are more prone to it.

“There is a sub-population that are more prone to experience motion sickness — Women, children ages 6-12 years old, those who have family history, those who have hormonal imbalances and/or are pregnant, sleep deprivation and those who have innate loss of balance – suffering from vertigo, vestibular pathology and migraines,” Dr. Mendez said.

Experiencing motion sickness tends to decline as people approach puberty, possibly due to habituation or tolerance. However, anyone is still susceptible to motion sickness during travel.

“It is less frequent in adults, and rarely happens after the age of 50 years old,” he said.

Effective management and prevention strategies

Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage or prevent motion sickness during land travel.

• Avoid reading or watching screens: Engaging with screens in a moving environment should be avoided to minimize visual sensory conflict.
• Choose the front seat: Sitting in the front seat can often help reduce motion sickness compared to sitting in the back.
• Focus on a fixed point: Directing the eyes towards a stable point, such as the horizon or in the direction of travel, can be helpful.
• Use sunglasses: Sunglasses can help reduce visual input, potentially alleviating symptoms.
• Close your eyes and lie flat: If experiencing motion sickness, closing the eyes and lying down can provide relief.
• Avoid heavy meals and large fluid intake: Before traveling, it's advisable to avoid heavy meals or drinking large amounts of liquid.
• Take breaks: Frequent stops to stretch and get fresh air can help reset the senses.
• Practice controlled breathing: For children experiencing motion sickness, parents should reassure them and encourage controlled, regular breathing.

Per Dr. Mendez, certain medications can help alleviate or prevent motion sickness, but it is still advised to consult with a medical doctor.

"Motion sickness can manifest with a constellation of symptoms and it's not one size fits all,” he said.

When to seek medical advice?

Most cases of motion sickness are self-limiting and resolve on their own. However, it is best to consult a doctor if persistent motion sickness is not relieved by conservative measures, particularly if it lasts longer than 24 hours.

“[Persistence] of nausea and vomiting may lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and esophageal tears necessitating [consultation] and possible admission. Don't hesitate to seek [consultation] with your friendly ENTs as treatment should be individualized,” Dr. Mendez advised.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News