Oral rehydration therapy

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Oral Rehydration Therapy

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) /ˈɔːrəl riːhaɪˈdreɪʃən θɛrəpi/ is a type of fluid replacement used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially that due to diarrhea. It involves drinking water with modest amounts of sugar and salts, specifically sodium and potassium.

Etymology

The term "Oral rehydration therapy" is derived from the method of treatment. "Oral" refers to the mouth, "rehydration" refers to restoring hydration, and "therapy" refers to treatment.

Usage

Oral rehydration therapy can also be given by a nasogastric tube. Therapy should routinely include the use of zinc supplements. Use of oral rehydration therapy has been estimated to decrease the risk of death from diarrhea by up to 93%.

Preparation

Solutions may be made at home or with a packet of oral rehydration salts (ORS) provided by the World Health Organization. Such packets are available in two forms: low osmolarity ORS and reduced osmolarity ORS. The latter is recommended by the World Health Organization, given concerns of too much sodium in the former.

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