The goal of Oral Rehydration Therapy is to replenish the body’s fluid levels. It is typically used to treat moderate dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or other conditions.

Q: What is ORS?

Dr:ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Salts. From the name, it is obvious that ORS is administered to individuals who are dehydrated.

Q: What is dehydration and what are the causes for it?

Dr: Dehydration occurs when you lose more water than you consume. Dehydration is often an outcome of excessive vomiting or diarrhoea. When left untreated dehydration can lead to dire complications, hence it is important to replenish lost fluids immediately.

Q: How does Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) help dehydration?

Dr:The goal of ORT is to replenish the body’s fluid levels. It is typically used to treat moderate dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or other conditions. It involves drinking ORS solution which is made of water, sugar, and electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium.

Q: Should ORT be given only in a hospital setting?

Dr:Not necessarily. If the person is having persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, there is no need to wait for a doctor to prescribe ORT. The patient can be given ORS mixed with water at home.

Q: Is ORS readily available or should it be prepared at home?

Dr:Oral Rehydration Salts can be bought at any local pharmacy. Instructions to make the ORS solution will be printed on the sachet. The salts need to be dissolved only in water. One batch of ORS solution can be stored for 24 hours or no longer. Today premixed flavoured ORS solutions are readily available in handy tetra-packs. You can use them too. Alternatively, an ORS solution can be easily prepared at home.

Q: How is ORS prepared at home?

Dr:In a few simple steps you can make an ORS solution at home. All you need is water, sugar, and salt. In a clean dry container add 1 litre of water. Stir in 6 teaspoons (about 30g) of sugar and half a teaspoon (about 2g) of salt. Stir till the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This homemade solution is just as effective as any store-bought one.

Q: How often should a person be given ORS solution in a day?

Dr: The recommended dosage is 200-300ml of ORS after every episode of loose stools. Adults with diarrhoea/vomiting can have up to one litre of ORS solution per day. Only children aged 6 months and above can be given ORS. It is best to consult with the doctor on the right dosage for children. 24 hours after regular ORS consumption if the patient is still vomiting or having diarrhoea, he/she needs to see the doctor right away.

Q: Why do athletes need ORS solutions?

Dr:Rehydration is essential for athletes because they lose fluids and electrolytes through excessive sweating. These fluids and electrolytes are important for maintaining energy levels, muscle function, and preventing injuries. Rehydrating supplements such as oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can help athletes replenish their fluids and electrolytes. It is designed to be easily absorbed by the body, which helps to quickly rehydrate them. For the same reason, ORS solution helps rehydrate you after an intense workout.

Q: Is ORS better than a sports drink?

Dr: Sports drinks are often marketed as a way to prevent dehydration during exercise. However, many sports drinks contain too much sugar or too little electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. This can actually make dehydration worse. The body uses something called the sodium-glucose cotransport system (SGLT) to rapidly replenish lost electrolytes. SGLT is a protein that helps your body absorb glucose and sodium from the small intestine. When glucose is absorbed, it helps to reduce cellular barriers in your intestines, making it easier for your body to absorb water and electrolytes like sodium. Sodium also triggers your thirst response and increases water retention, which helps to quickly remedy dehydration. For SGLT to work optimally, you need a solution with the right amount of glucose and sodium. Sports drinks may not provide this balance. ORS solutions have the right ratio of ingredients to effectively rehydrate a person.

Q: What is Salt Toxicity?

Dr: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are a safe and effective way to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea or vomiting. However, if used improperly, ORS can lead to salt toxicity. This is a condition in which the body has too much salt in its bloodstream. Salt toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, and seizures. In severe cases, it can be fatal. The risk of salt toxicity is increased if you drink an ORS when you don’t actually need it. This is because ORS contains salt, and if you don’t have dehydration, your body doesn’t need the extra salt.

While ORT is a safe treatment for dehydration, it is best to consult with the doctor on ORS dosage and if any other medication is required, at the earliest.

Reviewed By:

DR.PRIYA B

CONSULTANT – GENERAL PHYSICIAN

MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE),