SEA-Sickness, a disorder incident to most persons on their first going to sea, occasioned by the agitation of the vessel. This disorder has not been much treated of, although it is very irksome and distressing to the patient during its continuance. It has, however, been found beneficial in asthmatic and pulmonary complaints, and the instances in which it has proved fatal, are extremely rare. The sea-sickness appears to be a spasmodic affection of the stomach, occasioned by the alternate pressure and recoil of its contents against its lower internal surface, according as the rise and fall of the ship oppose the action of gravity.
The seas in which the attacks of this disorder are accompanied with the greatest violence, are those where the waves have an uninterrupted freedom of action; and of consequence bays, gulfs and channels, may be navigated with less inconvenience, as the waves, meeting with more frequent resistance, the vessel does not experience that gentle uniform vacillation which induces sickness, and renders the head giddy. A person feels less inconvenience from the disorder in a small vessel on the wide ocean, on which the slightest motion of the waves makes a strong impression. He is also less exposed to it in a very large vessel deeply laden, as the waves, in this case, scarcely affect the vessel. It is in ships of an ordinary size, and which carry but a light cargo, that the passenger suffers most from the sea-sickness. The sooner it takes place after embarkation, the continuance of it becomes the more probable. It does not always cease immediately on landing, but in some cases continues for a considerable time.
Many methods of preventing, or at least of mitigating this disorder, have been recommended, of which the most efficacious appear to be the following.
1. Not to go on board immediately after eating, and not to eat, when on board, any large quantity at a time.
2. To take much exercise, with as little intermission as possible; as indolent passengers are always the greatest sufferers from the disorder.
3. To keep much upon deck, even when the weather is stormy, as the sea breeze is not so apt to affect the stomach as the impure air of the cabin, rendered so for want of proper circulation.
4. Not to watch the motion of the waves, particularly when strongly agitated with tempest.
5. Carefully to shun all employments by which the mind may be harassed, as reading, studying, gaming, &c. and to seek all opportunities of mental relaxation.
6. To drink occasionally liquids containing carbonic acid, as the froth of beer strongly fermented, or wine and Seltzer water mixed together, and sweetened with pounded sugar.
7. It will also be beneficial to take sulphuric acid dulcified, dropped on a bit of sugar, or in peppermint water, or ten drops of ether.
The proper diet consists of bread and fresh meat, to be eaten cold with pepper. All sweet favoured food should be carefully avoided, and the passenger ought to refrain from fat, and particularly from such meat as is in the smallest degree tainted. Even the smell of flowers is injurious, for which reason marine productions ought not to be examined; but the fumes of vinegar may be advantageously inhaled. The drink should consist of lemonade or tart wines, but never of common water. An accidental diarrhoea has often relieved the patient from sea-sickness, and therefore a gentle laxative in such a disorder seems to be indicated. It will also be found useful to apply a tonic anodyne plaster to the pit of the stomach, spread upon leather, and covered with linen.
When symptoms of vomiting appear, they may often be remedied by the patient placing himself in a horizontal position on his back or belly, and lying perfectly still. If the fits of vomiting are too violent to be repressed, they should be promoted by a strong dose of salt water; not, however, to be often repeated, as it debilitates the stomach. When the emetic operates, the patient should bend his body, bringing his knees towards his breast, and supporting his head against a firm resting-place. His garters and cravat must be untied, a precaution which will secure him from the danger of a rupture.
The vomiting having subsided, a state of repose will prevent its return, and the eyes may be kept shut for a considerable time. The patient must make choice of a cool, ventilated place, remembering to keep himself warm and well clothed, as perspiration is highly beneficial. A gargle of sugar dissolved in vinegar is to be taken in the morning, accompanied with frequent and
sparse eating. Water must never be taken in its pure state, but mixed with wine, vinegar, or brandy. A glass of wine may be taken in the morning, with an infusion of orange peel, gentian root, or peruvian bark. A glass of punch occasionally taken will be extremely beneficial, by which perspiration is promoted.
Persons accustomed to smoke tobacco, will find the use of the pipe salutary on such occasions, but the practice of smoking will be injurious to all others. We may add that warm clothing, flannel shirts, caps, trousers, &c. are powerful remedies against excessive expectoration, with every other symptom of this dreadful malady.