| Airsickness | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Emergency medicine |
Airsickness is a specific form of motion sickness which is induced by air travel[1] and is considered a normal response in healthy individuals. Airsickness occurs when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from the body (including the inner ear, eyes and muscles) affecting balance and equilibrium. Whereas commercial airline passengers may simply feel poorly, the effect of airsickness on military aircrew may lead to a decrement in performance and adversely affect the mission.[2]
The inner ear is particularly important in the maintenance of balance and equilibrium because it contains sensors for both angular (rotational) and linear motion. Airsickness is usually a combination of spatial disorientation, nausea and vomiting.[3]
- ^ Benson AJ (2002). "35". Motion Sickness. In: Medical Aspects of Harsh Environments. Vol. 2. Washington, DC: Borden Institute. Archived from the original on 2009-01-11. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
- ^ Samuel, Orit; Tal, Dror (November 2015). "Airsickness: Etiology, Treatment, and Clinical Importance—A Review". Military Medicine. 180 (11): 1135–1139. doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00315. ISSN 0026-4075. PMID 26540704.
- ^ Antunano, Melchor J., M.D. Medical Facts for Pilots (pdf) Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Aerospace Medical Institute. Publication: AM-400-03/1.