DEAR DR. GOTT: My two-year-old grandson gets carsick terribly. His parents do not feed him immediately prior to any trips, but he still throws up. Is there something they could give him prior to travelling?

DEAR READER: Motion sickness is rather common and can affect people of any age. It stems from a sensitivity of the inner ear. Unfortunately, it's more traumatic when it happens to a youngster. Symptoms can include stomach upset, loss of appetite, cold sweats and vomiting. I hear about queasy feelings more frequently from people who sit in the back seat of the car and from people who read or otherwise engage in visual and mental stimulation in an effort to pass the time. This certainly is not the case with a two-year-old, however. A child of that age is prohibited by law from riding in the front seat for safety reasons. So let's consider options:

Have him look out the window at passing cars, signs and people. Play a game of spotting a green car, a red wagon or a person with black hair. He might eat an hour or two before getting into the car. Bring along a water bottle so he can remain hydrated. Sing songs or listen to the radio. If he can doze off, by all means let him do so. Split the trip up into two or three segments, allowing him to get out and walk around to break the routine. In other words, focus his attention elsewhere and attempt to trick his inner ears. You may also wish to try ginger capsules, Dramamine or Benadryl.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had gas pains under my rib cage for the past year. The pain leads to sediment-type diarrhea within 15 minutes of eating anything, occurring at least three times before it stops.

I've been unemployed and without health insurance for three years, so I am unable to see a doctor about this. I have determined I am allergic to wheat. I take no medicines other than over-the-counter naproxen for knee arthritis. Can you figure this out?

DEAR READER: Gas pains can occur for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have acid reflux, indigestion, hiatal hernia, gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer, are lactose intolerant or have an undiagnosed abnormality of the digestive tract. You also don't appear to be digesting your food properly, as evidenced by the diarrhea. Naproxen and other OTC NSAIDs can also lead to nausea, gas and diarrhea.

If you are unemployed and without insurance, apply for state aid. This will remove an enormous burden from your shoulders. Then make an appointment with a physician for an examination and possible lab work and X-rays so you can determine the exact cause of your pain. If necessary, request a referral to a gastroenterologist. I know this sounds extremely daunting, but you shouldn't have to continue with the symptoms you are having and the distressing diarrhea that follows. Once appropriate testing is accomplished and a diagnosis can be made, proper treatment can begin. Until then, it's anyone's guess.