Are you giving ORS correctly? Doctor shares common mistakes parents must avoid

Find out the correct steps for preparing and giving ORS. Children fall sick in the monsoon, so knowing the correct way to give ORS is essential.

During monsoon season, a lot of digestion-related problems and viral fevers happen, resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting, especially in children. This causes rapid fluid and electrolyte loss; parents give children Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). But are you preparing and giving it correctly?

Dr Abhishek Mehendale, consultant in general medicine at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, shared with us the common mistakes parents may make while giving ORS to children.

First, let's understand how ORS helps manage dehydration. Dr Mehendale said, “Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is one of the most important medical advances in the management of dehydration.”

The physician further simplified the formulation and why it is better than regular beverages: “ORS is a carefully formulated combination of glucose and electrolytes that helps the intestine absorb water efficiently, making it an essential treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, and acute gastroenteritis rather than simply a drink to stay refreshed. WHO-recommended ORS has saved millions of lives worldwide by treating dehydration safely and effectively."

So, regular water simply quenches thirst, ORS provides the appropriate balance of glucose and electrolytes to help the body restore fluids, essential salts, and minerals lost through diarrhoea or vomiting, thereby lowering the risk of dehydration.

What mistakes should parents avoid?

ORS can also be administered incorrectly, lowering its effectiveness. Therefore, parents need to know the proper preparation method, as simply giving ORS is not enough.

The doctor highlighted the common mistakes parents should avoid, saying, "What often worries us as paediatricians is not a lack of ORS, but how frequently it is used incorrectly. Parents sometimes mix the powder in less water, believing it will work faster, or add sugar or flavourings to improve the taste. These small changes alter the carefully balanced concentration of glucose and salts, reducing its effectiveness and, in some situations, worsening dehydration.”

What is the correct way to give ORS?

Describing the correct way to prepare and give ORS to children, Dr Mehendale advised parents to follow these steps:

1. Use the specified amount of water: Dissolve the entire ORS packet in the exact quantity of clean drinking water mentioned on the label.
2. Mix it thoroughly: Stir the solution well until the powder dissolves completely.
3. Give small, frequent sips: Don't make the child drink a large quantity at once; give ORS gradually in small sips.
4. Try again if vomited: If the child vomits, wait for about 10 minutes and restart with smaller sips rather than stopping ORS altogether.

Can ORS be a health drink?

ORS contains a carefully balanced formulation of essential salts and electrolytes, but should children who are not sick drink it? The doctor advised against routinely giving ORS to healthy children, as those who are eating and drinking normally do not need it.

He said, “ORS should also not be viewed as an everyday health drink. Healthy children who are eating and drinking normally do not need routine ORS.”

When should ORS be given? Dr Mehendale added, "ORS is meant for situations where the body is actively losing fluids and electrolytes, particularly during diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, significant heat-related illness, or prolonged strenuous activity.”

When is ORS not enough?

If your child is unable to take fluids, then it is a source of concern. (Picture credit: Pexel)

ORS can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes; it cannot replace medical treatment when a child shows signs of severe or worsening illness. Dr Mehendale advised parents to see a doctor if they see any of the following:

• Persistent vomiting
• Inability to drink or retain fluids
• Drowsiness
• Very little urine
• Blood in the stool
• Signs of worsening dehydration.

These symptoms indicate that the child is slowly becoming severely dehydrated or has an underlying condition that needs prompt medical treatment. In such cases, continuing ORS at home without seeking medical help may delay essential care.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.