How ORS Helps In Dehydration And Diarrhea?

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Diarrhea is still the second leading cause of death among kids under five globally. More than 1.5 million kids die because of diarrhea every year.

As compared to any other disease, diarrhea kills more young children. It is more prevalent in developing nations due to the lack of clean drinking water, poor sanitation, and poor nutritional status.

Most children who die due to diarrhea have severe dehydration and fluid loss. Dehydration caused by diarrhea can be effectively treated with the help of oral rehydration solution ORS.

According to health experts, 70% of diarrhea deaths could be prevented with the help of ORS, which is a simple sugar-and-salt solution.

What is Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)?

In simple terms, an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a mixture of salts and sugar in appropriate measure. Diarrhea causes the body to lose electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate.

ORS stimulates water and electrolyte absorption in the gut by aiding in the replacement of the lost salts in case of dehydration and diarrhea.

How and when should an Oral Rehydration Solution be used?

• It is essential to drink the ORS as soon as diarrhea starts.

• ORS can be safely used for children with diarrhea and those with underlying medical conditions.

• ORS should be consumed at an adequate rate to satisfy thirst and for maintaining urine output.

• Children should continue to have solid food in addition to ORS.

Consult a doctor if you are suffering from bloody diarrhea, a high fever, jaundice, persistent vomiting, or if diarrhea or dehydration does not improve even after using ORS.

Precautions while preparing Oral Rehydration Solutions

• Utilize commercially available Oral Rehydration Solutions. Homemade versions of ORS may not always be preferable to treat diarrhea or dehydration.

• Always utilize boiled or treated water to prepare the Oral Rehydration Solution.

• After the preparation, the Oral Rehydration Solution should be consumed within 12 hours if kept at room temperature or 24 hours if refrigerated.

Tips to keep in mind while taking ORS

Taking ORS Helps In Dehydration or diarrhea and might seem simple. But there are some tips you should know to reap its benefits. These include:

• Younger people can have the ORS directly from a glass but for children, use a spoon or a cup. It is advised not to use a bottle to feed a child.

• Don’t use milk, soup, fruit juices, etc. to make the solution. Also, avoid adding extra-sugary contents or salt to the ORS.

• While making ORS at home, use the right amounts of salt and sugar.

• Make a fresh drink every time and throw away the unfinished drink. This is because keeping the ORS drink uncovered or keeping it for more than 24 hours can aggravate the risk of infections.

ORS is considered to be the best treatment for diarrhea and dehydration. However, if the condition becomes critical or you still experience symptoms, it is best to consult your specialist for a detailed diagnosis and treatment.

Why is ORS Day celebrated?

ORS Day is celebrated every year on July 29th to make people aware about the importance of oral rehydration solutions as a cost-effective method to prevent dehydration.

ORS is rightly called “The Amrit in Dehydration” because it is very helpful in preventing dehydration, one of the severe health complications caused by diarrhea.

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The healthcare needs of a little one differ widely from that of an adult. Right from the time your little one is born, till the age of 18, your little one may need specialized pediatric care.

Amandeep Hospital has a team of highly qualified and trained pediatricians who are experienced in taking care of chronic disease management, injury, acute illnesses, mental or behavioral disorders and rehabilitation.

We have years of experience in treating young patients and have the required skills and facilities to treat childhood illnesses and diseases.

[/vc_column_text][lvca_accordion][lvca_panel panel_title=”Can we drink ORS during diarrhea?”]An oral rehydration solution (ORS) contains the main elements lost in diarrhoea and is effective in treating dehydration resulting from all kinds of diarrhoea. One of these drinks should be given to someone who has passed watery stools every time.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_title=”Is ORS good for loose motion?”]In well-controlled studies, many healthy adults with uncomplicated travelers’ diarrhea can stay hydrated without ORS by drinking purified water, clear soups, diluted juices or sports drinks. Some people may not need ORS during the mild digestive upset. However, it may be necessary for some healthy adults with mild diarrhea.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_title=”Can ORS stop diarrhea?”]Oral Rehydration Solutions do not stop diarrhea. It simply prevents the body from drying up. Diarrhea will stop by itself without any help from the ORS.
[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_title=”How do I prepare an ORS solution at home?”]If an ORS packet is not readily available, you can also prepare this solution at home. Following are the requirements:

Clean Water – 1 litre – 5 cupful (each cup about 200 ml)
Sugar – Six level teaspoons (1 teaspoon = 5grams)
Salt – Half level teaspoon
Stir the mixture till the sugar dissolves[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_title=”How to make the ORS drink which is available in powder form?”]Following are the steps to make the ORS drink which is available in powder form:

Put the ORS solution in a clean container. Follow the instructions mentioned on the packet.
Only use water and do not add ORS to milk, soup, fruit juice, or soft drinks.
Do not add sugar.
Stir well, and feed the solution to the child from a clean cup.[/lvca_panel][lvca_panel panel_title=”How much ORS should be given to children?”]Any child or an adult suffering from dehydration or diarrhea must have ORS. After each watery stool, at least one-fourth to half of a large (250 ml) cup of the ORS drink should be given to kids under the age of two years. A child above 2 years of age can have ORS as much as he wants.[/lvca_panel][/lvca_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]