Rehydration Solution

Synonyms

Replacement of fluids; Substitution of fluids; Fluid therapy

Definition

In oral rehydration the loss of fluids and electrolytes is replaced without intravenous infusions. The amount of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) depends on the assumed loss of fluids (or weight) and the requirements of the organism. To compensate the loss properly, the solution has to provide an optimal composition of salts (electrolytes) and sugar (glucose). This is achieved by an uptake of 60 mmol sodium, 20 mmol potassium and 90 mmol glucose (16.2 g) per liter and an osmolality of 240 mosmol/l. Osmolality means the amount of dissolved particles per liter of the solution. A number of products, which follow these recommendations, are available. A simple and easily self-made oral rehydration solution should contain eight teaspoons of sugar (40 g) and one teaspoon of salt (5 g) in one liter of boiled water. Cola or fruit juices are not suitable for rehydration...