Sea_Sickness

Sea_Sickness. The symptoms of this malady are headache, giddiness, vomiting, and prostration. The transformation from the enjoyment of perfect health to a condition of absolute dejection, and the usually equally rapid recovery, which are the phenomena presented by sufferers from this disease during, and after, a short sea passage, constitute a remarkable sequence of events, and it is not a little astonishing that the movements of the vessel, which produce such a profound impression upon those who are susceptible to sea-sickness, should cause no discomfort whatever to certain fortunate persons. During long voyages, when vomiting repeatedly occurs, a condition of collapse supervenes which has in rare instances proved fatal. On the other hand, some persons under similar circumstances only suffer discomfort for a short period, a state of tolerance of the unusual conditions becoming established. Numerous theories professing to explain the cause of sea-sickness have been formulated, One of the most probable views enunciated is that which attributes the symptoms to the disturbance set up in the semicircular canals of the ear by the movement of the ship. These structures are supposed to be concerned with the notions entertained by the individual as to his space relationships, and abnormal impulses transmitted by them to the brain, and thence reflected along the gastric fibres of the vagus, may play an important part in the causation of the malady. As regards treatment, innumerable specifics have been recommended, a sure indication that no one of them is completely efficacious. Probably the best plan to adopt for those who are reluctantly compelled to undertake a short voyage is to eat a good meal three or four hours before embarking, and to lie down or sit still while on board. If it is possible to remain on deck and near the centre of the vessel so much the better. A mixture of chloral and bromide of ammonium, administered half an hour before the vessel starts with a view to securing sleep, has been recommended. In serious cases, with persistent vomiting, this remedy may be employed, and if collapse is extreme, stimulants must be administered, and medical advice procured. The use of a tightly-applied abdominal belt, or of an icebag to the spine, has been advocated, and the latter method has, it is said, produced good results in prolonged cases.