Is oral rehydration therapy done with oral rehydration salts?

Diarrhoea and vomiting can remove water and important salts from the body. An oral rehydration solution combines water with glucose and electrolytes in a balance that helps the intestine absorb fluid. It treats fluid loss; it does not directly remove the infection or explain why symptoms began.

The packet must be mixed with the exact amount of water stated on its label. Too little or too much water changes the concentration. Do not add extra sugar or salt, and do not mix it with juice, soft drinks or milk unless a clinician specifically advises this.

Prepare the solution with safe water in a clean container, then give frequent small sips. If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. Continue breastfeeding when relevant and offer suitable food as tolerated. Follow the packet instructions for storage and discard the solution when advised.

A pharmacist or clinician can help choose the right product and plan for a child, older adult, pregnancy or kidney, heart or other long-term condition. Avoid relying on sports drinks or homemade mixtures when a proper oral rehydration product is available.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very little urine, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Babies, frail older adults and people with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed early.

Ask how much solution to offer, how often to give it, how long to continue, and which symptoms mean that home rehydration is no longer enough.