Oral rehydration therapy
Jain, A.; Khatri, P.C.; Jain, S.; Yadav, S.P.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 75(6): 120-123
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 7229409 Document Number: 451829
The management of diarrhea is mostly dependent on parenteral administration of fluids and electrolytes, yet for the majority of India's population such facilities are practically unavailable. In addition there are several serious limitations to the use of this technique. These include prohibitive cost, the fact that it can only be administered by trained personnel, and that it brings undue distress to both patients and parents. Such procedures should be reserved only for those patients who have severe dehydration, impending shock, electrolyte imbalance, or persistent vomiting. For the others, the majority, oral rehydration therapy should be the treatment of choice. The implementation of oral rehydration therapy in the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Calcutta alone, has resulted in an annual saving of much money. Another benefit is that the family members can participate in the therapy and can continue it at home. The process of water and solute absorption is accelerated in the presence of glucose and sodium, and its effectiveness has been proven and documented. There are various types of oral multi-electrolyte-glucose powders available in India. The mixture recommended by the World Health Organization seems to be the most suitable, and this mixture can be prepared at home by the addition of 3-1/2 grams of common salt, 2-1/2 grams of baking soda, 1-1/2 grams of potassium chloride, and 20 grams of glucose in 1 liter of water. Instructions for the use of oral rehydration therapy are outlined, and other types of rehydration therapy are described.