Importance of ORS in saving children From Diarrhea

"ORS should be given in any case of dehydration caused by either due to diarrhea or heat stroke or any condition causing excessive fluid loss from the body," suggests Dr. Ravi Malik, renowned pediatrician and former Joint Secretary of Indian Medical Association. 

Young children and infants are more susceptible to diarrheal disease and dehydration. Reasons include the inability to communicate their needs or hydrate themselves, higher metabolic rate, and increased insensible losses. In such cases, it is important that parents are proactive and attentive to keep the right hydration levels of their children.

For more than 25 years, WHO and UNICEF have recommended a single formulation of glucose-based oral rehydration salts to prevent or treat dehydration from diarrhea irrespective of the cause or age group affected. This product, containing 75 mEq/l sodium, 75 mmol/l glucose (total osmolarity of 245 mOsm/l) has proven effective and without apparent adverse effects in worldwide use.

The traditional ORS comes in the form of powder and needs the addition of water. However, it has been in use for many years now but is presented with some shortcomings including:

• Diarrhea is a waterborne disease and mixing the same contaminated water in the ORS powder may worsen the signs of dehydration.


• An appropriate amount of water has to be added to maintain the required osmolarity.


• The solution requires proper mixing, otherwise, the benefits of the powder cannot be fully procured.

"It is important that physicians should train parents about the proper preparation of ORS, as inaccurate preparation can lead to hypernatremia in children" warns Dr. Ajay Gambhir, Past President IAP, Delhi Chapter. 

Dr.P.K.Pruthi, Director Institute of Child Health, Sir Gangaram Hospital, says that newer ORS in the form of ready-made Oral Rehydration solution has the inbuilt advantage of providing a right concentration of electrolytes thereby obviating any chance of hypernatremia. In case of ORS powder, there are chances of transmission of infection if the solution is kept outside after mixing or mixed in dirty and therefore ready-made Oral Rehydration Solution is safer considering this aspect.

Now, the new form of ORS comes in ready to drink form and that too in different flavors. It is easier to use than the traditional ORS. Its advantages include: it is ready to drink, made from sterile water and it comes in different flavors, making it palatable to children.

This- 29th July- Celebrate ORS day with Ready to Drink ORS. Claim your free physician sample through the link below: