PREVENT DIARRHOEA BY "ORS DAY" TODAY with theme "ORS all the day keeps dehydration at bay"-BY WHO 

Prof.Dr.Dram,profdrram@gmail.com,Gastro Intestinal,Liver Hiv,Hepatitis and sex diseases expert 7838059592,9434143550

Acute diarrheal diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality in infants and children in many developing countries. According to World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years. Diarrhoea, which is frequently caused by poor sanitation and hygiene, can have serious, even deadly results, typically as a result of diarrhea related dehydration.It particularly affects infants, children and old people. Diarrhoea generally lasts for several days, leaving the body without salt and water, which is necessary for survival. Most people who die from diarrhea actually die from severe dehydration and loss of fluid from the body.

                               Dehydration from diarrhea can be prevented by giving extra fluids at home, or it can be treated simply and effectively by giving adequate glucose electrolyte solution called ORS (oral rehydration solution). Every year, ORS day is celebrated on 29th July to highlight the importance of ORS salts as a cost effective method of health intervention.The theme for this year is “ORS all the day keeps dehydration at bay” ORS Jodi (ORS and Zinc) has proven to be successful in the prevention and management of acute diarrhea and dehydration. If vomiting occurs, it is recommended that use be paused for 10 minutes and then gradually restarted.

                          Oral rehydration salts contain a variety of sugar and salts specifically sodium and potassium. The combination of electrolytes and sugar stimulates water and electrolyte absorption from the gut. The recommended formulation includes sodium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, and glucose. Glucose may be replaced by sucroseand sodium citrate may be replaced by sodium bicarbonate, if not available. It works as glucose increases the uptake of sodium and thus water by the intestines. It, therefore, prevents or reverses dehydration and replaces lost salts in conditions such and diarrhea and vomiting. Use of oral rehydration therapy decreases the risk of death from diarrhea by about 93 percent.

            The World Health Organization in 1978 launched the global diarrheal diseases control program with ORS at its heart and the short-term objective of reducing mortality due to diarrhea.In the early 1980s, “oral rehydration therapy” referred only to the preparation prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. In 1988, the definition changed to encompass recommended home-made solutions.

                 Prepare ORS solution at home:Give the child a drink made with 6 level teaspoons (1 scoop approx) of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon (1 pinch approx) of salt dissolved in 1 litre of clean water. Add lemon as per taste. Be very careful to mix the correct amounts. Too much sugar can make the diarrhoea worse. Too much salt can be extremely harmful to the child.Feed child after every motion,can keep once prepared for 24 hrs.Boiled or filter water can be used ,for children under 2 yrs feed 1/2 large cup or  glass or above 2 yrs whole glass,may allowed to drink more sothat child pass urine normally.Packed "ORS" by ministry or WHO or available commercially  has the complete required formula.