What should you know about care plus oral rehydration salt?

Diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and heavy sweating can remove both fluid and salts from the body. An oral rehydration solution contains a measured balance of glucose and electrolytes that helps the intestine absorb water. It does not treat the cause of the illness, stop every episode of diarrhoea, or replace an assessment when dehydration is severe. Signs of dehydration include thirst, a dry mouth, dizziness, unusual tiredness, dark urine, or passing urine less often.

Prepare the sachet with exactly the volume of safe water stated on its packaging. Stir until dissolved, use the prepared solution within the recommended time, and discard leftovers according to the instructions. Give small, frequent sips; a spoon or syringe can help a child who is vomiting. Continue breastfeeding when applicable and offer suitable food as tolerated. Avoid adding extra sugar or salt, and do not mix the solution with juice or soft drinks. Oral rehydration therapy in a clinic may be needed when drinking is not enough.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt assessment for very little urine, worsening dizziness, persistent vomiting, or dehydration in a young child, older adult, or person with a serious medical condition.

Ask how much solution to offer, how often to give it, and whether your child or your medical conditions require a tailored plan. Check what symptoms mean home treatment is no longer enough and whether any medicines should be paused or reviewed.