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The secret to reducing the risk of dehydration: How effective is oral rehydration therapy?
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is a fluid replacement therapy used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially in the setting of diarrhea. This therapy is primarily achieved by drinking water with the right amount of sugar and salt, which contains important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. According to research, oral rehydration therapy can significantly reduce the risk of death due to diarrhea, even by as much as 93%. This data sparked widespread concern about oral rehydration therapy.
The use of oral rehydration therapy has been shown to reduce diarrheal mortality in children and is used in a variety of health care settings.
Background and development of therapy
Oral rehydration therapy dates back to the 1940s, when this electrolyte solution was developed empirically for use primarily in mild or convalescent patients. However, oral rehydration therapy was not widely used for dehydration and maintenance treatment until the 1960s, because scientists discovered that glucose helped promote the absorption of sodium and water, making this therapy more effective. Today, oral rehydration therapy is included on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines, demonstrating its importance to public health.
Effectiveness of therapy
According to multiple clinical trials, oral rehydration therapy can reduce the mortality rate from diarrhea to 93%. Case studies in developing countries have also shown an association between increased use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and reduced mortality. Even in cases of mild to moderate dehydration, oral rehydration therapy is still the first choice of treatment, while patients with severe dehydration need to seek professional medical help and immediate intravenous rehydration.
When implemented correctly, oral rehydration therapy can effectively replenish the body's fluids and electrolytes before symptoms worsen.
Precautions for use
Although oral rehydration therapy has many advantages, there are circumstances when its use should be discontinued, such as persistent vomiting. Experts recommend pausing for 10 minutes in this case and then slowly resuming use. For infants and young children, it is recommended to use a dropper or syringe when providing fluids, while for older children and adults, slow sips should be used. Breastfeeding should also be continued during treatment.
Home-made oral rehydration solution
When oral rehydration salt packets are insufficient, the World Health Organization and UNICEF advocate making oral rehydration solutions at home. According to estimates, the basic formula is a 1:1 ratio of sugar to salt, but the homemade solution should be used with caution because its stability and effect are different from the official formula. Commercially prepared oral rehydration solutions are also sold in liquid or powder form for easy home use.
The feasibility of using home-made regimens still requires further study, but in emergency situations any suitable electrolyte supplementation should be a priority.
Other treatments related to oral rehydration therapy
Today, oral rehydration therapy is often used together with zinc supplements, especially in children under 5 years of age, to effectively shorten the duration of diarrhea. In addition, returning to a normal diet as soon as possible is also crucial to speed up the body's recovery. Experts recommend that small, frequent meals should be given to ensure that the child's body can readjust to normal nutritional needs.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy and its flexibility make it an important method of managing dehydration, whether in a health care setting or in the home setting. However, are we really making the most of this simple and effective solution to save lives, or are there safer and more effective alternatives?
