Oral rehydration therapy

It is a simple, cheap and effective treatment for dehydration due to loose stools, vomiting. It consists of solution of salts and sugars which is taken by mouth. This will provide both fluids and electrolytes. Some ORS also contain glucose or other carbohydrate like rice powder to increase absorption in the intestinal tract. An ideal ORS should contain starches and/or sugars as a source of glucose and energy, sodium and potassium.

Ingredients of ORS

• Sodium chloride (NaCl): 2.6g/L.
• Glucose : 13.5g/L.
• Potassium chloride (KCL) : 1.5g/L.
• Trisodium citrate: 2.9g/L.
• Sodium: 75mmol/L.
• Glucose: 75mmol/L.
• Potassium: 20mmmol/L.
• Chloride: 65mmol/L.
• Citrate: 10mmol/L.

It is available as pre-formulated powder which has to added to water and used for drinking.

In emergency, you can prepare the ORS solution on yourself. Mix half teaspoon salt, half teaspoon baking soda, three tablespoons sugar and one liter of safe drinking water