ORS Review: How Does it Work?
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is used to treat the dehydration or ongoing loss of water. The review discusses the benefits, such as how it helps to reduce length of stay in the hospital and decreases risk of dehydration-related complications. For more information on ORS, read this article!
What is ORS?
ORS stands for the Organic Rehydration Solution. It is combination of water, salt and sugar. It helps to replenish the diminished water content of the body. Dehydration occurs because of water loss from the body due to vomiting and loose motions. It can also occur because of working in hot weather without taking adequate water.
Standard WHO ORS contains (When constituted in one litre water):
- Sodium 2.6 grams
- Glucose anhydrous 13.5 grams
- Potassium chloride 1.5 grams
- Trisodium citrate, dihydrate 2.9 grams
ORS has total osmolarity of 245 mmol/litre
How does ORS work?
The purpose of ORS is to rehydrate the body, when you are suffering from a lack of fluids or in need of hydration.
It does so by combining electrolytes with your body’s natural water balance and making it easier for your cells to absorb all the nutrients and water that’s needed. It’s formulated to work 24/7 and is both safe, effective and non-toxic.
This means that it’s suitable for use at home or in hospitals. It can be used by those suffering from constipation, diarrhoea or any other need for rehydration. You will be able to get in at a minimum of 1 litre per day.
ORS has glucose and salts in a specific ratio. When glucose and salt is present in a specific ratio with water, in the intestine it helps for better absorption of water in blood.
What are types of ORS?
ORS is made up of two components: a carbohydrate source and electrolytes. The carb source is generally glucose or sucrose, which are then mixed together with salts, like potassium chloride or sodium chloride. There are many types of ORS and they all work differently. Some ORS allow you to drink when you need it while others require you to use reusable packets or a jerrycan.
ORS that are commercially available are in powder that to be mixed and recommended quantity of water or directly available radiuses solution in tetra packs.
It is available in many different flavours and taste is an issue to consider for use in children. Flavoured ORS is readily available everywhere and it is easy to use in children.
What are symptoms of dehydration?
Dehydration is a serious issue that can result in severe health complications. This website provides information on the symptoms of this condition, as well as how to prevent it and treat it if suspected.
In addition, research has been conducted on the effectiveness of ORS in comparison to other methods of rehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body’s water stores are depleted, causing low blood volume and excessive thirst.
Dehydration is a common cause of fluid loss, often seen in people with conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. Because dehydration can cause life-threatening health problems, it is essential to identify its signs and symptoms.
Rehydration is one of the most important things that you need to know when you are going through treatment for an illness or when you feel sick. Dehydration occurs when fluid is lost, whether it be through diarrhoea or vomiting.
Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days then it is wise to seek medical attention from your doctor. Here are the tips on how to rehydrate yourself when you are dehydrated.
To summarise symptoms of dehydration are:
- Excessive thirst
- Dryness of mucosa like tongue
- Feeling of tiredness and fatigue
- Lightheadedness and headache
- Cramps in limb muscles
- Lethargy in children
- Irritability in children
- Decreased frequency of urination
- Fever and increased body temperature
In severe cases loss of consciousness and low blood pressure and sometimes seizures.
Risk factors for dehydration
Dehydration occurs when a person’s body loses more water than it takes in. It is an important concern for people who participate in endurance or other physical activities because dehydration can lead to cramps, dizziness, and even fainting. Common causes of dehydration include vomiting and diarrhea. Excessive sweating can also deplete a person’s electrolytes and water levels….
Dehydration is a concern for many fitness enthusiasts, but it is not very common in endurance sports. Athletic performance can be affected by dehydration, though the extent to which it affects an athlete depends on how fit the individual is. If a person does not already drink enough fluids during long periods of exertion, this can result in dehydration. Dehydration can also occur as a result of heat in the body. In heatstroke, a severe case of dehydration can be fatal. Heatstroke is usually the result of prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions for a prolonged period of time.
Gastroenteritis or a gastrointestinal disease can also cause dehydration.
It is important to drink a sufficient amount of fluids to replace lost water and other essential nutrients in the body.
Oral rehydration solutions and children
Oral rehydration solutions, or ORS, are used to provide water and electrolytes to infants and children who have been sick with dehydration. ORS is an effective and lifesaving remedy in children with loose motions and vomiting. It is the primary treatment of dehydration which prevents severe dehydration and need of hospital admission.
How to make an oral rehydration solution at home?
Oral rehydration solution can be easily made at home with readily available sugar, salt, water and lemon juice at home.
For the proper constitution the proportion of the components should be maintained. 200 ml (around one glass) of water should be added 1 tablespoon of sugar and one pinch of common salt and mixed with some lemon juice.
This is an easy recipe of homemade ORS that can be safely used for children suffering from vomiting and loose motions.
When should ORS be used?
ORS stands for oral rehydration solution, which is a drink that helps restore water and electrolytes. It should not be used for more than two days unless instructed by a doctor or it causes side effects.
You can start it when you or your child is suffering from dehydration due to lose motions and vomiting. It is the primary and safe treatment option; you can start it before professional medical advice.
If the symptoms are not improved or are increasing in intensity you should visit your doctor and continue further treatment.
Apart from vomiting and loose motions, you can use ORS to treat any dehydration caused by any other cause like heatstroke and working in a hot environment and excessive sweating.
In order to make an ORS, you need to mix one pinch of salt into 200 ml water and then add one tablespoon of sugar. Once your solution is ready, you can add some sugar-free flavoured drink or lemon juice.
Oral rehydration solutions and pregnancy
ORSs are often seen as too complicated for pregnant women to use, but the truth is that they are actually one of the simplest ways to rehydrate a person. The problem is that most women don’t know how to use it and make this mistake. If a woman uses an ORS while they’re suffering from vomiting and loose motions causing dehydration the risk of severe dehydration is reduced.
Conclusion
The ORS Review is an interesting product, but how does it work? It is a lifesaving remedy in case of dehydration. If you are dehydrated and able to drink, you should use this readily available cheap remedy as a primary treatment for yourself or your children. Ors is the biggest invention in human history, it has saved life of many millions of children in low cost.