Oral rehydration therapy

Oral Rehydration Therapy: What You Should Know

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is an effective, inexpensive and life-saving treatment used in the management of dehydration resulting from transient gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea, and from chronic water loses due to diarrhea or vomiting caused by illnesses such as diabetes. ORT is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the primary therapy for the treatment of dehydration due to diarrhea in both children and adults.

ORT is a solution that contains specific amounts of glucose, electrolytes and other nutrients that are designed to be ingested orally. ORT is used to replace both fluids and electrolytes lost from the body due to vomiting or diarrhea. ORT can rapidly restore both fluid balance and electrolyte balance, and can reduce the severity of symptoms in people suffering from dehydration.

Benefits of Oral Rehydration Therapy

ORT is a cost-efficient, fast, and easy way to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. There are several potential benefits of ORT that make it an attractive form of therapy for medical personnel:

• ORT is simple to administer and does not require specialized equipment.
• ORT does not require the use of needles or other invasive techniques for administration.
• ORT can be quickly and easily administered at home, in the clinic, or in the hospital.
• ORT is a low-cost therapy compared to intravenous (IV) fluids.
• ORT has a high success rate for treating children with mild to moderate dehydration.
• ORT can provide a safe, effective treatment option for people who cannot tolerate intravenous (IV) fluids.

How to Prepare Oral Rehydration Therapy

ORT can be prepared using the WHO Oral Rehydration Therapy Solution (ORS). WHO ORS is a pre-formulated mixture of glucose, electrolytes, and other essential nutrients that can be used to safely treat dehydration caused by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. ORS is available as a pre-made solution, as a powder that can be mixed with water, or as a tablet that is dissolved in water.

The optimal way of administering ORS is to give frequent small sips of juice or water, as this will ensure that a maximum amount of ORS is absorbed. It is important to note that ORS should not be given to children or adults who are already severely dehydrated. In such cases, intravenous fluids must be administered in order to rapidly restore fluid balance.

Conclusion

ORT is an effective, inexpensive, and easy-to-administer therapy that can rapidly and safely restore fluid balance in those suffering from dehydration due to diarrheal illnesses, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. ORS should be given to children and adults with mild to moderate dehydration, and should not be used in cases of severe dehydration.