Raising Awareness On The Proper Use Of Oral Rehydration Solutions — Dr Daniel Cheng and Prof Long Chiau Ming

World Oral Rehydration Salt Day is observed annually on July 29 to raise awareness of the importance of ORS as a preventive measure for deaths due to diarrhoea.

According to UNICEF, diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of death in children under 5 years old. It is important to note that diarrhoea can sometimes be prolonged. This could lead to dehydration whereby the human body lacks the water and salts necessary for survival.

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are recommended as dehydration prevention in acute diarrhoeal infections in all age groups. When mixed with water, ORS solution provides essential body fluids components such as necessary electrolytes (sodium, potassium), glucose, and water.

Some of the important advice about the use of ORS are listed below. First, give ORS solution at the first sign of diarrhoea because early intervention is critical to prevent dehydration. Second, use the correct amount of clean water to ensure the solution is effective. ORS comes in a prepackaged sachet and we need to empty the contents of one sachet into 250ml of cool drinking water.

Third, use only clean, boiled water to mix ORS to avoid further health risks from drinking contaminated water. Fourth, continue to breastfeed infants and provide regular food to older children while giving ORS solutions.

This will ensure the children can maintain nutritional status, because even if the diarrhoea continues or the child is vomiting, some of the nutrients are being absorbed. Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial because breastmilk is easily digestible. 

There are six brands of ORS products in Malaysia that have been registered with the Ministry of Health (MOH). It must be noted that the contents are similar, hence it is not necessary to double the dose by using different brands of ORS. 

It is important to know when to seek further medical attention before the child’s condition becomes severe. If diarrhoea persists or when we observe signs of severe dehydration such as fast breathing, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, and reduced urine then we should seek medical attention immediately.

Dr Daniel Cheng and Prof Long Chiau Ming are from the School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University.

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