Everyday Explained: Why do you feel nauseous in a car, and what should you do

Car sickness, an empty stomach, dehydration, too little sleep, heat, and chemical fumes can all contribute to feeling dizzy or nauseous in a vehicle.

For today's episode of Everyday Explained, we take a closer look at things we experience in our daily lives and why they happen. One such experience is feeling dizzy and nauseous in a car, commonly known as car sickness. Why does this happen?

Dr Manish Dodmani, consultant gastroenterologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explained this phenomenon, the various reasons behind it, and when symptoms may require medical attention.

Why do you feel nauseous?

Dizziness, as per the expert, is attributed to motion sickness, an empty stomach, too little sleep, or simply a hot afternoon. Sometimes, fumes from solvents affect the body. There could be a strong odour in the car as these fumes accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces.

The gastroenterologist identified headache, dizziness, confusion, and unusual sleepiness as some warning signs. He also cautioned against keeping cleaning products in your car, as their fumes can accumulate inside, making you feel dizzy.

What happens when toxic fumes are inhaled? He said, “The body does not respond to every chemical exposure in the same way. Some substances can irritate the eyes and airways, while others can affect the nervous system and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. Certain chemicals can also cause injury to organs such as the liver and kidneys.”

Be careful about what you store inside your car, whether it is a bottle of paint thinner, a leaking fuel container, or a spray. Aside from dehydration or skipping meals, exposure to fumes from these products is another lesser-known cause of dizziness.

What to do if you are feeling dizzy in a car?

If you are feeling dizzy, take slow sips of water. (Picture credit: Freepik)

A person who suddenly feels unwell inside a vehicle should first focus on safety. The doctor advised stopping the vehicle at a safe place and moving to fresh air. Continuing to drive while dizzy, confused, or unusually drowsy can put the driver and others at risk.

The gastroenterologist further advised when to seek help: “If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fainting, breathing difficulty, confusion, or loss of consciousness, medical attention should be sought promptly.”

To conclude, if you feel unwell during car rides, pull over safely if you are driving and step out into fresh air. See a doctor promptly if you experience confusion, fainting, or difficulty breathing after the car ride. If you carry cleaning sprays in your car, check that the containers are tightly sealed and not leaking.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.