How does the oral rehydration therapy work?
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Lucas Hall
Works at the International Development Association, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
As a subject matter expert in healthcare and nutrition, I can explain how oral rehydration therapy (ORT) works.
Oral rehydration therapy is a treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or other illnesses that lead to significant fluid loss. The primary goal of ORT is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining proper hydration and bodily functions.
Here's how ORT works step by step:
1. Solution Preparation: ORT typically involves a solution known as an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar. The specific composition of ORS is critical for its effectiveness. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have established guidelines for the formulation of ORS.
2. Fluid Replacement: The ORS helps to replace the water and electrolytes that are lost through diarrhea or vomiting. The sugar in the solution aids in the absorption of salt and water by the intestines.
3. Electrolyte Balance: The salt in the ORS replenishes the sodium and other electrolytes that are essential for nerve and muscle function. It also helps to replace the bicarbonate lost from the body due to diarrhea or vomiting.
4. Osmotic Effect: The combination of sugar and salt in the ORS creates an osmotic gradient that encourages water to be absorbed from the intestines back into the bloodstream.
5. Gradual Rehydration: ORT is administered in small, frequent sips rather than large volumes at once. This allows the intestines to absorb the fluids gradually and reduces the risk of further dehydration.
6. Monitoring: It's important to monitor the patient's response to ORT. If the patient continues to lose fluids at a rapid rate or shows no signs of improvement, medical attention may be necessary.
7.
Continuation of ORT: ORT should continue even after the diarrhea or vomiting has stopped to ensure full rehydration.
It's important to note that ORT is most effective when started early in the course of the illness and is not a substitute for medical care in severe cases.
Oral rehydration therapy is a treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or other illnesses that lead to significant fluid loss. The primary goal of ORT is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining proper hydration and bodily functions.
Here's how ORT works step by step:
1. Solution Preparation: ORT typically involves a solution known as an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar. The specific composition of ORS is critical for its effectiveness. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have established guidelines for the formulation of ORS.
2. Fluid Replacement: The ORS helps to replace the water and electrolytes that are lost through diarrhea or vomiting. The sugar in the solution aids in the absorption of salt and water by the intestines.
3. Electrolyte Balance: The salt in the ORS replenishes the sodium and other electrolytes that are essential for nerve and muscle function. It also helps to replace the bicarbonate lost from the body due to diarrhea or vomiting.
4. Osmotic Effect: The combination of sugar and salt in the ORS creates an osmotic gradient that encourages water to be absorbed from the intestines back into the bloodstream.
5. Gradual Rehydration: ORT is administered in small, frequent sips rather than large volumes at once. This allows the intestines to absorb the fluids gradually and reduces the risk of further dehydration.
6. Monitoring: It's important to monitor the patient's response to ORT. If the patient continues to lose fluids at a rapid rate or shows no signs of improvement, medical attention may be necessary.
7.
Continuation of ORT: ORT should continue even after the diarrhea or vomiting has stopped to ensure full rehydration.
It's important to note that ORT is most effective when started early in the course of the illness and is not a substitute for medical care in severe cases.
Studied at the University of São Paulo, Lives in São Paulo, Brazil.
Acute diarrhea normally only lasts a few days. ORT does not stop the diarrhoea, 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 efficiently.
2014-4-21
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Ethan Mitchell
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Acute diarrhea normally only lasts a few days. ORT does not stop the diarrhoea, 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 efficiently.
