ORS is a solution containing a mixture of sodium, potassium, sugar and electrolytes. Mothers can make ORS according to the right rules to replace the child’s body fluids lost due to dehydration due to diarrhea.
When a baby has diarrhea, he can lose body fluids quickly and become dehydrated. Drinking a little water or breast milk every few minutes is quite effective, but if there is severe diarrhea, a lot of fluid can be lost in a short time. ORS given at that time can protect the baby from dehydration and its serious effects.
Yes, dehydration can cause several adverse health effects, so using ORS under the guidance of a pediatrician is a must to rehydrate or replace fluids. Here are some signs of dehydration in babies, as quoted from Mom Junction:
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Severe thirst Fatigue and restlessness Less number of dirty diapers due to infrequent urination Dark yellow urine No tears when crying Dry mouth corners and chapped lips Sunken looking crown Sunken eyes
Benefits of ORS solution
Consuming ORS will replenish water and electrolytes in the body and reduce damage caused by diarrhea and dehydration. Reported by Parenting Firstcry, here are some of the benefits of ORS solution for children:
ORS contains the right ratio of ingredients and can be used as a replacement for sports drinks, pediatric electrolytes, and IV hydration. Babies who receive ORS no longer need injections or intravenous (IV) transfers. You can use ORS independently. ORS can provide results within minutes of consumption. ORS can be used to proactively avoid dehydration. Research has shown that ORS is safe for all age groups.
How to make ORS solution
ORS is usually available in powder sachet or bottle form. Making ORS from powder preparations needs to be done correctly before giving it to children. Following are the steps for making ORS which is available in sachet powder form:
Boil 200 milliliters (ml) of clean drinking water in clean, sterile equipment, then cool. Pour water into a glass and mix with one teaspoon of ORS powder. Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution appears cloudy. Do not mix ORS into milk, fruit juice, or other liquids.
If salt or oral rehydration solution is not available, then you can prepare ORS for your baby at home. Here are the steps to make ORS at home:
Wash your hands using soap and water. Make sure the equipment used to make the solution is clean and sterile. Mix six teaspoons of sugar and one and a half teaspoons of salt in one liter of clean, boiled water and cool. Mothers can use molasses (a type of raw sugar) as a substitute for white sugar because molasses contains more potassium. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, resulting in a slightly opaque solution. Store and use within 24 hours, no later than that.
ORS Illustration/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/ThamKC
Safe rules for giving ORS to babies
Before giving ORS to your baby, you need to pay attention to several important things, namely:
Wash your hands before giving ORS to your baby. Give as much solution as the baby needs or as recommended by the doctor. Alternatively, give other fluids, such as breast milk. Babies older than six months can be given different foods, such as porridge, rice water (porridge), carrot soup, and young coconut water, for hydration. Once the baby is rehydrated and his digestive system seems calm, you can start giving him regular food after consulting a doctor. Children under two years old should be given one teaspoon of ORS solution every one to two minutes using a spoon or dropper throughout the day. Give your child ORS in small amounts and often. Make sure the first dose is small. Small amounts allow the child to retain the solution better without vomiting. Do not use bottles to give ORS. If the baby vomits, stop for ten minutes and give the ORS again. Feed small amounts as the baby will tolerate it better. Give more gradually until the child gets the full recommended dose. Mothers can store fresh ORS in a cool place. Chilling ORS in the refrigerator is good, but it should not be used more than 24 hours after preparation. If the child refuses to drink, use a syringe to spray ORS into his mouth.
ORS dose
Giving ORS to children must be appropriate to their age and weight, Mother. Before giving ORS, you should first consult a doctor about the dosage. Make sure the dose is correct and the instructions for use are correct.
The following is the dose of ORS that can be given every time a child defecates:
Children under 2 years of age can be given 50-100 ml (one-half to one large cup) of fluids. Children 2 to 10 years of age can be given 100-200 ml (one-half to one large cup) Older children and adults, liquids as much as they want.
One of the powdered ORS drugs that is sold freely is ORS 200. The packaging states the dosage and rules for use according to the child’s age, namely:
Under 1 year: 1.5 glasses for the first 3 hours, then 1/2 glass every time you have diarrhea. Children 1-5 years: Give 3 glasses for the first 3 hours, then 1 glass for every time they have diarrhea. Children 5-12 years: 6 glasses for the first 3 hours, then 1.5 glasses each time they have diarrhea. Children over 12 years old: 12 glasses for the first 3 hours, then 2 glasses each time they have diarrhea.
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(aci/ank)