Cholera remedies

Cholera can produce large losses of water and salts through watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Rehydration addresses the immediate danger by restoring circulating fluid and electrolytes. It does not mean that every drink has the right balance: very sugary drinks, alcohol and plain water alone may not replace losses appropriately. A clinician may decide whether additional medicines are suitable after assessing the person.

The illness can make someone weak before they recognise how dehydrated they are. Information about [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) can help you describe the pattern accurately to a healthcare professional.

Use a correctly prepared [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) solution and give frequent small amounts, especially when nausea is present. Keep the person under observation, continue feeding when tolerated, and use safe water for preparation. Severe dehydration, persistent vomiting or reduced consciousness calls for [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) and medical supervision. Avoid treating cholera with leftover antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicines unless a clinician specifically recommends them.

Go for urgent assessment if the person is drowsy, confused, faint, unable to swallow fluids, passing very little urine, or showing cold hands and feet with marked weakness. Repeated watery stools, ongoing vomiting, or signs of dehydration in an infant or older adult also warrant prompt care. Contact a healthcare service even if a home remedy seemed to help when fluid loss continues.

Ask which solution to use, how much to give between episodes of diarrhoea, whether the person needs observation or intravenous fluids, and which medicines should be avoided during the illness.