Human beings cannot survive more than; a week without water. Depletion of water to the extent of 10% may have adverse effects on the body. Common symptoms of dehydration are headache, fatigue, and sudden collapse.
Dehydration is characterised by severe thirst and less urination. Excessive loss of water can also take place due to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive heat, high fever, and strainers exercises. About 20%! Loss of water from the body may also lead to death.
Ignorant mothers stop giving water to the children in diarrhea and vomiting. They also avoid giving milk and other liquids to the children. This leads to dehydration and may prove fatal. Such children can be saved by giving ORS.
Electrolyte balance of the body is maintained by giving water with a little of sugar I and salt dissolved in it. This solution is known as ORS or Jeevan Rakshak Ghol. This solution has tremendous power of saving a patient of dehydration even from his death bed. This solution can be prepared at home very easily. WHO/UNICEF recommended formulae of ORS are as follows:
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Mix well and store in a clean bottle (5-6 hours at room temperature and 24 hours in a refrigerator. This solution should be given at the very onset of diarrhea. This easy method may be adopted for the prevention and treatment of dehydration. Sugar may also be used in place of glucose if it is available at home.