What does oral rehydration therapy treat?

An oral rehydration solution contains water, salts, and glucose in a carefully balanced mixture. The intestine absorbs these together, helping restore fluid after illnesses such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning, norovirus infection, or cholera. It treats the fluid and electrolyte loss; it does not remove the infection itself.

Small, frequent sips are often easier to keep down than a large drink. Vomiting does not always prevent absorption, but ongoing losses may exceed what can be taken by mouth. Plain water alone may not replace the salts lost with heavy diarrhoea or sweating.

Prepare a packaged solution exactly as its instructions say, using safe water and the stated volume. Sip regularly and take extra care after each episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. Avoid mixing it with juice, soft drinks, or extra powder because changing the concentration can make it less suitable.

Continue breastfeeds and usual light foods when tolerated. If heat cramps or heat exhaustion follow exertion, move to a cool place, rest, and seek advice if symptoms do not settle.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to drink, very little urine, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or repeated vomiting. Infants, older adults, and people with serious medical conditions can deteriorate quickly. IV Fluid Therapy may be considered when oral replacement is not enough.

Which solution is suitable for me? How much should I sip while losses continue? Could my medicines or medical conditions affect fluid or salt replacement? What signs mean I should attend urgent care?