Sugar salt solution for diarrhoea

Diarrhoea removes fluid and electrolytes from the body. Oral rehydration solution combines water, glucose and salts in a balance that helps the intestine absorb fluid. It does not remove the cause of diarrhoea or replace assessment when illness is severe. Ready-made sachets from a pharmacy are preferable because the packet gives the correct dilution. A drink mixed too strongly can worsen dehydration, while a weak mixture may not replace salts adequately.

Mix a commercial sachet with the exact amount of safe water stated on its label, and use it within the recommended time. Give frequent small sips; if vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart more slowly. Continue breastfeeding, and offer usual light foods when tolerated. Avoid relying on fizzy drinks, undiluted juice or very salty homemade mixtures. Keep track of urination, alertness and the ability to drink. Possible causes include Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis, Food Intolerance or other bowel conditions.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, or breathing difficulty. Infants, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term medical conditions can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed early. Arrange medical advice if diarrhoea persists, keeps returning, or follows recent travel or antibiotics.

Ask which rehydration product and dilution suit the patient’s age, whether medicines should be paused, and which signs mean dehydration is developing. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, how often stools occur, whether fever or blood is present, and what fluids have been kept down.