Oral Rehydration Salts
Summary
AAmpere (amp), SI unit of electrical current basic oral rehydration therapy for dehydration is composed primarily of salt, sugar, and water using a standard ratio:
- 30 mlMililitre sugar : 2.5 ml salt : 1 liter water
- 2 tblsp sugar : 0.5 tspTeaspoon. salt : 1 quart water
Introduction
Oral rehydration therapy is effective in treating fluid loss after acute diarrhea due to various causes, such as dysentery and gastroenteritis, including cholera or rotavirus.
Quick Recipe
Dissolve a large pinch of salt and a fistful of sugar in a jug of clean water.
Burns
Slightly rounded teaspoon of salt in one qt of water (the equivalent of half-normal, i.e. 0.45%percent, saline). Have patient drink 4 to 8 quarts in first 8 hours (sipping slowly), 4 to 8 qts in the next 16 hours, then as dictated by thirst.
Cholera
(Or other severe diarrheal illness.)
To one qt: of water add scant tsp Lite-Salt (a mixture of sodium and potassium chloride); 10 tsp, sugar; 1/3 tsp sodium bicarbonate.
