ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY – Purpose, the Formula for ORS, Equipment Needed, Procedure, Action of ORT and General Instructions
UPDATED 2024
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the giving of fluid by mouth to prevent and/or correct the dehydration that is a result of diarrhea
PURPOSE
- To prevent dehydration
- To prevent morbidity and mortality due to acute diarrheal diseases
THE FORMULA FOR ORS
The formula for ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) recommended by WHO and UNICEF contains
- 3.5 g sodium chloride
- 2.9 g trisodium citrate dehydrate (or 2.5 g solution bicarbonate)
- 1.5 g potassium chloride
- 20 g glucose (anhydrous)
The above ingredients are dissolved in one liter of clean water
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Take one liter of boiled and cooled drinking water
- Clean glass of 200 ml capacity
- A clean vessel to mix the solution
- A clean spoon to mix the solution and feed the child
PROCEDURE
- Pour one liter of clean water into a clean vessel
- Open a packet of ORS and pour all the contents into the vessel
- Stir with a clean spoon till it completely dissolves
- Take some solution in a clean glass
- Feed the child frequently with small doses of the solution
ACTION OF ORT
- Oral rehydration therapy does not stop the diarrhea, but it replaces the lost fluids and essential salts thus preventing or treating dehydration and reducing the danger
- The glucose contained in ORS solution enables the intestine to absorb the fluid and the salts more effectively. ORT alone is an effective treatment for 90-95% of patients suffering from acute watery diarrhea regardless of cause
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Oral rehydration therapy is the cheap, simple and effective way to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea
- ORT is a safe and can be used to treat anyone suffering from diarrhea, without having to make a detailed diagnosis before the solution is given
- Children must always treat immediately because they become dehydrated more quickly
- The must learn to recognize the signs of dehydration which need ORS or special care
- If ORT is given at home early, dehydration can often be prevented and many children will not become so ill
