How to Mix Oral Rehydration Solution Correctly

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a simple, cost-effective treatment for dehydration, particularly due to diarrhea, and has saved millions of lives globally. Ensuring it is mixed correctly is vital for its effectiveness. This guide provides clear steps for preparing ORS using either a pre-packaged powder or common household ingredients.

Quick Summary

Step-by-step instructions for preparing oral rehydration solution from commercially available packets and making a safe, homemade alternative using precise measurements of salt, sugar, and water. Proper mixing and storage are highlighted for optimal use. Intended for treating dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting.

Key Points

• Hygiene: Always wash hands and use clean equipment when preparing ORS.

• Packet Prep: Mix one full ORS packet with exactly one liter of clean water; do not add other substances.

• Homemade Basis: A homemade solution typically involves specific amounts of sugar and salt added to one liter of safe water.

• Accuracy is Key: Precise measurements are critical for homemade ORS to prevent harmful imbalances, particularly with salt.

• Water Quality: Use clean water; boiling and cooling or disinfecting is recommended for safety.

• Time Limit: Discard prepared ORS after 24 hours to avoid bacterial contamination.

• No Additives: Avoid adding extra sugar, juice, or flavorings to ORS mixes.

• Proper Feeding: Administer ORS in small, frequent sips, especially after vomiting.

Preparing Oral Rehydration Solution from a Packet

Using a pre-packaged oral rehydration salt (ORS) packet is often the most reliable method because the ingredients are precisely measured to meet health standards. The standard formulation recommended by the World Health Organization is designed for efficient absorption of fluid and electrolytes.

Step-by-step guide for packet mixing

1. Hygiene First: Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. Make sure the container you plan to use, typically a one-liter bottle or jug, and the stirring utensil are also clean.
2. Add Clean Water: Carefully measure exactly one liter of safe drinking water into your clean container. For the safest option, it is recommended to use water that has been boiled and then cooled, or water that has been properly disinfected.
3. Mix the Packet: Pour the entire contents of a single ORS packet into the one liter of water. Stir the solution until the powder is completely dissolved. It's important not to add any extra ingredients, such as additional sugar or flavorings, as this can upset the crucial balance of electrolytes and sugars in the ORS.
4. Serving and Storage: The prepared solution should be given gradually, often in small, frequent sips. Any part of the solution that is not used within 24 hours must be discarded to prevent the risk of bacterial contamination.

Making a Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution

When pre-packaged ORS is not available, a homemade solution can be used to help prevent dehydration. However, it's important to note that commercially prepared formulas offer a more precise balance for treating established dehydration. Accurate measurement of ingredients is essential; using too much salt can be harmful.

General principles for a homemade recipe

A common approach relies on a specific ratio of sugar to salt in water to aid fluid absorption.

• Key Components
  • 1 liter of clean water (using boiled and cooled water is advisable)
  • Sugar
  • Salt
• Instructions
  1. Ensure cleanliness of all equipment and hands.
  2. Pour the one liter of clean water into a clean container.
  3. Carefully measure and add the specified amounts of sugar and salt.
  4. Stir the mixture thoroughly until both the salt and sugar have completely dissolved.
  5. The solution should taste only mildly salty. If it tastes strongly salty, it is best to discard it and remake it with corrected measurements.

Comparison of ORS Preparation Methods

Feature	ORS from a Packet	Homemade ORS
Precision	Components are pre-measured for high accuracy.	Requires careful, level measurements; generally less precise than commercial versions.
Composition	Contains a standardized mix of electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, citrate, chloride) and glucose.	Typically provides basic salt (sodium) and sugar (glucose).
Availability	Available in pharmacies and health centers globally.	Can be prepared quickly using common household ingredients.
Effectiveness	Considered optimal for treating dehydration, including more severe cases.	More suitable for preventing or delaying dehydration; potentially less effective for severe cases.
Safety	Low risk of incorrect concentration if instructions are followed accurately.	Higher risk of incorrect mixing; incorrect salt concentration, especially, can be dangerous.

Giving ORS and Important Considerations

Administration Guidelines

• For adults and older children, allow them to drink as much as they want or need based on their thirst.
• For infants and young children, give small amounts frequently, using a spoon or cup. Avoid using a baby bottle.
• If vomiting occurs, wait 5-10 minutes before slowly restarting the administration of ORS.
• Infants who are breastfeeding should continue to be breastfed along with receiving ORS.

What to Avoid

• Do not add additional sugar, salt, or any other ingredients to a pre-packaged ORS mix.
• Avoid using sugary drinks like soft drinks, fruit juices, or typical sports drinks as substitutes for properly mixed ORS, as their high sugar content can exacerbate diarrhea and be harmful.
• Always discard any ORS solution that has been prepared for more than 24 hours, regardless of how it was made.

Conclusion

Understanding how to mix oral rehydration solution correctly is a vital step in managing dehydration caused by illness. While commercial ORS packets offer a convenient and precisely balanced option, a carefully prepared homemade solution can be a useful alternative when packets are not readily available. The key to both methods is using clean, safe water and adhering to accurate measurements to ensure the solution is both safe and effective. If symptoms of dehydration are severe or do not improve, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Organizations like the Red Cross often provide helpful resources and instructions on preparing ORS, which can offer further guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral rehydration solution (ORS)?

ORS is a specific mix of salt, sugar, and water used to treat and prevent dehydration, commonly caused by diarrhea or vomiting, by replacing lost fluids and essential electrolytes.

Can I use bottled water to mix ORS?

Yes, sealed bottled water can be used. If there's any doubt about the water source's safety, it should be boiled and cooled before mixing ORS.

Why are fruit juice and soft drinks not suitable substitutes for ORS?

These drinks often have high sugar concentrations which can worsen diarrhea and disrupt the body's electrolyte balance. ORS has a specific glucose and sodium ratio for effective absorption.

How long can prepared oral rehydration solution be stored?

Once mixed, ORS solution should be used within 24 hours. After this time, it should be discarded to prevent potential bacterial growth.

What if a child refuses to drink ORS?

Offer small, frequent amounts using a spoon or cup. In some cases, and under guidance, minor adjustments might be considered to improve palatability, but the standard mix is preferred.

What should be done if homemade ORS is mixed incorrectly?

If you are uncertain about the measurements, particularly if the solution tastes too salty, it is safest to discard it and prepare a new batch. Incorrect proportions, especially excess salt, can be harmful.

Is it acceptable to add flavoring to oral rehydration solution?

Adding flavorings is generally not recommended as it can disrupt the critical balance of ingredients in ORS. The standard, unflavored mix is most effective.

When is it necessary to seek medical help instead of just using ORS?

Seek medical attention if symptoms of dehydration worsen, if vomiting is persistent, if the individual is lethargic, unresponsive, or if there are any signs of a serious underlying condition.