What is the cause of seasickness and how may it be avoided?

-
Seasickness

Q. What is the cause of seasickness and how may it be avoided?

A. It is now believed that seasickness is due to the excessive stimulation of the pneumogastric nerve, causing spasmodic contraction of the stomach and abdominal muscles. The irritation is due to the sudden and repeated disturbance of equilibrium due to the movements of the ship in one who is not accustomed to such movements. Young infants are never seasick, probably for the reason that they are accustomed to frequent changes of the position of the body.

A sea-sick person should remain horizontal, with ice bag to back of neck, the eyes closed and a firm bandage applied over the stomach and abdomen. A sand bag might serve the same pur­pose. Lying in a tub of water is also found beneficial. Some large ocean vessels are now supplied with swinging tanks in which one may enjoy complete immunity from seasickness.

Popular posts from this blog

Is chronic catarrh of the larynx curable?

-
Chronic Laryngitis Q. Is chronic catarrh of the larynx curable? A. In most cases this disease may be cured, even when of long standing, except in cases in which the inflammation is due to tubercular infection. Many of these cases are also curable if taken in time. A skilled specialist must be consulted.
Read more

Of what use are the tonsils and should they be removed?

-
The Tonsils Q. Of what use are the tonsils and should they be removed? A. The tonsils are lymphatic glands. Their function is to protect the body against the great number of microbes which collect in the mouth. They are also connected with the functions which promote the growth and development of the body. Diseased tonsils are a constant menace to the body, proving an open door for the entrance of harmful organisms. Tuberculosis germs and other disease-producing bacteria often find their way into the body through the open portal pro­vided by diseased tonsils. The tonsils harbor disease germs, such as pneumonia and diptheria, also the germ of influenza or la grippe. These germs are lying there ready to develop whenever the vital resistance is lowered by cold, exhaus­tion, indigestion, or any other depressing cause. Diseased tonsils are often a cause of rheumatism and probably other serious maladies. Tonsils which frequently become raw or in­ flamed or which are constant...
Read more