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Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for Babies
When your child is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting he can lose body fluids quickly and become dehydrated. Small sips of water every few minutes work well, but in case of severe diarrhoea, quite a lot of fluids can be lost in a short time. ORS given at such a time can protect your baby from dehydration and its serious effects.
What is ORS?
ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution. It is a solution of oral electrolytes given to children who are experiencing dehydration due to loss of body fluids in conditions such as diarrhoea and vomiting. ORS contains a mix of sodium, potassium, sugar and other important electrolytes needed by the body. When mixed and given in the right quantities, it can quickly replace the lost electrolytes and fluids to rehydrate the body.
When Does Your Baby Need Oral Rehydration Therapy?
Serious cases of dehydration are when ORS is given to infants. Most minor dehydration doesn’t need medical attention and can be treated with breast milk, water, formula and diluted juices. However severe dehydration caused by diseases such as viral gastroenteritis, also called stomach flu, needs ORS for treatment. Also look for the following symptoms of dehydration in kids:
Their eyes look sunken, dull or dry
Their lips appear stretched or chapped
Dry nappy with little or no urine
They may be lethargic and fussy
No tears when they cry
Cold hands and feet
Heartbeat is rapid
Soft spots on their head
Benefits of Oral Rehydration Solution
ORS is a highly effective treatment for diarrhoea in babies. It can treat dehydration caused by loss of fluids that cannot be treated in time by feeding water alone. To understand how fluid absorption in the body works, the concept of osmolarity should be understood. Osmolarity is a measure of the concentration of dissolved salts in a fluid that can apply an osmotic pressure on the fluid. When two solutions of different osmolarity are placed in contact with each other, fluid from the low osmolarity solution flows to the high osmolarity solution. Similar to how raisins soaked in water swell up after a while.
The principle behind ORS therapy is simple: When babies have diarrhoea, fluids move through their intestines too quickly to be absorbed like it does normally. The surface of their intestines is lined with something called ‘sodium-glucose co-transporters’, which is a protein that absorbs salt more effectively in the presence of glucose. What ORS does, therefore, is to give the right mix of glucose, salt and water so the salt and fluid absorption is maximised. Its benefits can be summarised as follows:
It contains the precise ratio of ingredients, and hence, used instead of sports drinks, paediatric electrolytes and IV hydration
No need for injections or IV transfer
It can be self-administered
ORS gives results within minutes of consumption
It can be used to proactively avoid dehydration
Studies have shown that it is safe for all age groups
What Are Oral Rehydration Salts Available as?
They are usually available in the form of oral rehydration powder or pre-mixed bottles available in pharmacies, health centres, markets, and shops. Normally one sachet is to be mixed with 200 ml of water and given to the baby. To maximise the effectiveness of the powder, it needs to be mixed with exactly the right amount of water specified on the sachet. All ORS powder contains a little bit of sugar and there is no need to add anything extra to it. The powders are usually cheaper and have a longer shelf life. Some of the commercial ORS brands include Infalyte, Pedialyte, Resol etc
How to Give ORS to Infants
Pour the powder into 200 ml of water that is boiled and cooled. Stir well until the powder completely dissolves and the water looks slightly cloudy.
Give your child the ORS in small and frequents amounts using a spoon, feeder or dropper. Ensure the first doses are small. Small amounts allow the child to better retain the solution without vomiting.
Gradually give them more until your child has had the full dose that is recommended to them. Allow them to take it at their own pace.
If the child refuses to drink, use a syringe to squirt the ORS into their mouth.
In rare cases involving hospitalisation, a child refusing to drink might be fed through a naso-gastric feeding tube.
What Quantity of ORS Your Child Requires
It’s easy to think that our babies need to drink as much as possible to replenish the lost fluids. However, they may be vomiting and unwilling to consume even the recommended amount in one go. This reference is a standard one to follow for oral rehydration salts dosage:
If the child is under 2 years of age, after each loose motion they need to be given a quarter to half of a 200ml cup of ORS. That is 50- 100ml of ORS.
If the child is over 2 years old, they will need half to one 250ml cup of ORS after every loose motion.
What to Do if Oral Rehydration Salt is Not Available
If ORS is unavailable at the chemist or you do not have any ingredients at hand, rush your child to the paediatrician or the hospital. Dehydration in infants can be fatal, so act quickly.
How to Prepare ORS Solution at Home
A simple ORS solution can be made at home with the following procedure:
Ingredients:
Six (6) level teaspoons of sugar
Half (1/2) level teaspoon of salt
1 litre of clean drinking water or boiled and cooled water
How to Make:
Add the sugar and salt to a bowl and pour the water into it. Mix until it has fully dissolved. You can also add a little bit of mashed banana for some extra potassium. It is imperative that you get the proportions right. Adding too much salt or sugar can render it ineffective or worsen diarrhoea.
When Oral Rehydration Salts Start Working
The oral rehydration salts will show their effect immediately and dehydration normally gets better in three to four hours.
What if Your Child Vomits (Sick)
When your baby has a stomach bug, vomiting, and diarrhoea often come together. When they are losing fluids through loose stools and vomiting, prepare a good amount of ORS solution. Give it to them in small quantities often, such as 10 to 20 ml every 5 to 10 minutes. A large portion of drinks can cause them to feel sick and throw up again. It is important to give them the full amount over longer time. Also, keep in mind:
If the child gets sick and throws up within 30 minutes of consuming ORS, give it to them again.
If the child throws up after 30 minutes of consuming ORS, they don’t need any more until you notice that they have runny stools.
Your child won’t be harmed by drinking an excess amount of ORS. So if you are unsure of the amount your child has retained because they throw up often, it’s better to give them the full amount gradually.
What if You Forget to Give This Medicine to Your Infant?
If you forget to give them their dose, give another one as soon as you remember.
What if You Give Too Much of ORS to Your Baby?
Extra doses of oral rehydration solution won’t cause your child any harm even if you give it without knowing.
Are There Any Side Effects of ORS Solution?
Oral rehydration salts have no side effects. If anything worries you, call your doctor immediately. Also, remember if you’ve mixed ORS in water, but not used it for over an hour, you need to discard it. It can, however, be stored in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Can You Give Other Medicines Along With This Medicine?
Yes, other medicines can be given along with oral rehydration salts as long as they conform to these points:
Unless your doctor has specified not to, you can give your children medications that have ibuprofen or paracetamol.
You must inform your doctor about any allergic reactions your child might have had to any medicines that were given to them before. If you forgot to tell the doctor, check with them or with the pharmacist before giving your child ORS.
If you’re considering switching medicines or going for complementary or herbal medicines, discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist first.
More About ORS
If the child is unable to retain any fluids given to him and is showing signs of dehydration, contact the doctor straight away.
If the child is not willing to take the oral rehydration solution, then try giving him water or a diluted juice. Water should be boiled and cooled for younger babies less than a year old. Inform your doctor if they are refusing fluids completely.
During the first 24 hours of having diarrhoea, it’s recommended that babies not have any food other than breastmilk. If the child is older, avoid giving him solid foods and milk in the first 24 hours, as they may irritate the stomach and worsen diarrhoea. If you see signs of improvement in your child, continue giving him water or diluted juice along with oral rehydration salts, each time you notice runny poop.
As diarrhoea gets better, you can start normal feeding after 24 hours. A tummy bug can cause kids to have mild diarrhoea that’s recurring for up to a month.
If you notice that your child’s diarrhoea is severe and not improving for over 48 hours, along with other signs of deterioration of his health, rush him to the hospital. Heavy loss of fluid and serious dehydration can be fatal.
Oral rehydration solution should not be used as a treatment for diarrhoea for longer than two or three days, unless your doctor has advised you so.
Never use milk or juice to mix with oral rehydration salts instead of water or add extra salt or sugar to the solution. It is designed to offer the body the right balance of water and electrolytes to help in fluid absorption by the tissues and recover from diarrhoea.
You must ensure that you use the exact amount of recommended water to prepare ORS out of the salts. Too much or too little water can change the electrolyte balance and will not work effectively.
Avoid ORS if your child has a kidney or liver condition unless your doctor advises you to use it.
Things to Consider
Wash your hands with soap or use a sanitise to clean hands before making the solution.
Contact your doctor if you’re doubtful that the medicine is working. In the meantime, continue giving the medicine as usual.
Medicines prescribed for your child are for your child only. Do not give recommend it to others. If their condition remains the same, they need to consult the doctor.
If you see that someone may have accidentally taken your medicine, contact your doctor.
Do not use medicines that have expired or have come close to their ‘best before’ date on the pack. Such medicines should be returned to the pharmacist to be disposed of properly.
From Where Can You Buy ORS?
Oral rehydration salts are available in all pharmacies in the form of packets that are inexpensive.
Where Should You Store Oral Rehydration Solution?
Store the medicines in their original containers.
Keep them somewhere safe in a cupboard out of direct sunlight, heat or high humidity.
Ensure to keep it out of the reach of children.
What are the Alternative Home Remedies for Dehydration?
There are some alternatives to ORS that have been used as home remedies by some mothers over the years. The following remedies are similar to ORS and are effective as infant rehydration solution:
Breast milk
Gruel; a diluted mixture of cereals and water
Rice water or Congee
Carrot soup
Coconut water
Remember that ORS is only meant to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea and vomiting. It cannot be used to treat the underlying cause. Therefore, always use it under the supervision of a doctor.
Also Read:
Stomach Pain in Babies
Natural Remedies for Loose motion in Infants Read more
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Palak Dhokla
Dhokla is a very popular Gujarati snack. Unlike most fast foods, it is a healthy one as it is not fried but steamed. We have upped its health quotient a little more by adding spinach to it. Check the recipe to know how to make this scrumptious dhokla.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
15 - 20 Minutes
15 - 20 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup besan
2 tbsp sun flower oil
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup spinach puree* (see notes)
1 tsp Eno fruit salt
For Tempering
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp sesame seeds
4-5 curry leaves
1-2 green chillies slit
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
2-3 tbsp water
2 tbsp powdered sugar
For Garnishing
Grated coconut
Note: To make spinach puree, blanch ½ cup spinach leaves and blend it with little water.
Method
Step 1
In a deep bowl, add besan, salt and sugar. Stir and add the spinach puree little by little to make a smooth thin batter. Add the oil and lemon juice and set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Place a large pan with lid on heat. Add about 2 cups of water in the pan and place a ring inside the pan.
Step 3
Grease a 6" square cake tin with oil. Keep aside.
Step 4
When the water is bubbling in the pan, add Eno fruit salt to the batter and whisk lightly. Pour the batter in the prepared tin and place it on the ring placed in the pan.
Step 5
Cover and steam for 15-18 minutes on medium heat. When done, take it off heat and let it cool down. While the Dhokla is cooling down, prepare the tempering.
Step 6
In a medium pan, heat oil. When hot, add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds, green chili and curry leaves. Take it off gas and add the red chili powder, sugar and water and mix.
Step 7
Spoon the tempering over the cooled Dhokla. Garnish it with grated coconut. Enjoy with green chutney, imli chutney or ketchup.
Nutritional Information
Calories
159 K cal
Proteins
3.9 g
Fats
8.9 g
Carbohydrates
16.3 g
Cholesterol
5 mg
Sodium
401 mg
Potassium
165 mg
Tip: Steam the batter in an idli cooker for individual idli sized dhokla. Read more
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Moong dal khichdi for babies with vegetable is surely one of the best ways to prepare a balanced and nutritious meal. Vegetables in the khichdi add a different flavor, taste and texture, which babies will love. Add variety to your child's diet by using several veggies, however, be sure the vegetables have already been introduced to your baby's diet before and that the child is not allergic to any of them. Use all the veggies available in your kitchen to make a wholesome meal for your baby.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
2/3 cup rice
1/3 cup moong dal (split green gram)
1 medium size onion, finely chopped
1 cup mix vegetables of choice, chopped
3¼ cups water
1 tbsp (tablespoons) ghee
5-6 curry leaves
1/4 tsp (teaspoon) cumin seeds
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp coriander leaves(chopped)
Salt to taste
Method
Step 1
Wash and soak rice and moong dal separately in water for 30 minutes. Drain and keep aside.
Step 2
Finely chop mix vegetables of your choice.
Step 3
Heat ghee in a pressure cooker over medium flame. When ghee is hot, add cumin seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for 30-40 seconds.
Step 4
Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns light brown or for approx. 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 6
Add soaked rice, moong dal, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Step 7
Add water and cover the pressure cooker with the lid. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes for two whistles.
Step 8
Turn off the flame. Once the pressure is off, open/remove the lid and garnish it with coriander leaves.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories
264.3
Total Fat
13.0 g
Saturated Fat
1.4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat
7.7 g
Cholesterol
0.0 mg
Sodium
121.6 mg
Potassium
356.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate
29.8 g
Dietary Fiber
4.8 g
Sugars
0.1 g
Protein
7.8 g
Vitamin A
4.5 %
Vitamin B
12 0.1 %
Vitamin B
6 9.8 %
Vitamin C
11.7 %
Vitamin D
0.3 %
Vitamin E
8.9 %
Calcium
5.2 %
Copper
8.7 %
Folate
26.2 %
Iron
19.6 %
Magnesium
7.1 %
Manganese
19.4 %
Niacin
5.7 %
Pantothenic Acid
4.0 %
Phosphorus
11.3 %
Riboflavin
3.3 %
Selenium
2.9 %
Thiamin
7.9 %
Zinc
6.8 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tip: Use any vegetables of your choice like green peas, French beans, cauliflower, potato, carrot, cabbage, pumpkin etc. to make healthy khichdi with mixed vegetables. Read more
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I don’t like potatoes said no one ever!’ Potatoes are versatile and can make any dull meal a delightful one. Play with potatoes with our recipe for baked potatoes with cheese. You could make this a healthy meal by trying different combinations for the filling. Your fussy little one is going to love his veggies!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
1 Hour
Ingredients
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1 cup sour cream
2 sticks salted butter
Vegetables/Meat of your choice
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Method
Step 1
Wash the potatoes under running water and scrub the skin using a stiff brush.
Step 2
Poke holes around the surface of the potatoes with a fork so the moisture escapes completely.
Step 3
Rub oil and a little salt around the skin of the potatoes and bake them in the oven at 350 deg for 45 min.
Step 4
Remove the potatoes and let them cool for minute.
Step 5
Gently cut open the potato on one side lengthwise. Hold the cut side on top and gently squeeze open the lower half of the potato.
Step 6
Now, for the filling, toss the vegetables in a little oil and mix them with sour cream and salt.
Step 7
If you want to include meat, cook the meat and chop them into little pieces and mix along with the rest of the ingredients for the filling.
Step 8
Using a spoon, fill the opening of the potatoes with the cream-veggies-meat mixture and bake for a further 15 min.
Step 9
Serve hot.
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Calories
860 K cal
Proteins
9.9 g
Fats
65.5 g
Carbohydrates
63.6 g
Cholesterol
148 mg
Sodium
976 mg
Potassium
1688 mg
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Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
10 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
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At which day should I take pregnancy test
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A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
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