Oral Rehydration Salts: Benefits and Usage

Oral rehydration salts are a combination of mineral salts and glucose used to restore electrolyte balance and hydration in cases of dehydration.
Category
Product
Where to get
Available over the counter in pharmacies and medical supply stores
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Oral Rehydration Salts FAQ


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What are oral rehydration salts?

Rehydration salts are used to replace salts and water that the body loses when you are dehydrated. Rehydration salts are also called oral rehydration solution or ORS. Find out how to use them safely and the possible side effects.

What is oral rehydration therapy?

The goal of oral rehydration therapy is to replenish the body’s fluid levels. It’s typically used to treat moderate dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, or other conditions. Read on to learn about the benefits, uses, and side effects of oral rehydration solutions. In general, mild dehydration can be treated with fluids like water and clear broth.

Can Oral rehydration cause salt toxicity?

Oral rehydration therapy is designed to normalize electrolyte levels. However, if the solution isn’t prepared or used correctly, it can cause salt toxicity. This is also known as hypernatremia. You should use oral rehydration solutions with caution if you:

When should I use oral rehydration solutions?

In general, oral rehydration solutions should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. When used improperly, an ORS can lead to salt toxicity. This is more likely to happen if you drink an ORS when you don’t actually need it. If you’ve had a lot of diarrhea or vomiting, speak with a doctor first.

Oral Rehydration Salts References

If you want to know more about Oral Rehydration Salts, consider exploring links below:

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