Key takeaways

  • Oral rehydration therapy is a treatment for dehydration that involves drinking a solution of water, sugar, potassium, and sodium. This is called an oral rehydration solution (ORS).
  • Oral rehydration therapy is safe for and primarily used to treat diarrhea-related dehydration in children. Healthy adults with mild diarrhea can also drink ORS, but it might be unnecessary.
  • It is important to administer the correct amount of ORS, as incorrect administration can lead to adverse effects, such as salt toxicity. The amount needed is dependent on age, with younger individuals needing less than older ones.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can happen for many reasons, including excessive diarrhea or vomiting. When left untreated, dehydration can be dangerous. This is because your body relies on water to perform basic functions.

Oral rehydration therapy is a treatment for dehydration. It involves drinking a beverage made of water, sugar, and electrolytes, specifically potassium and sodium. The beverage is called an oral rehydration solution (ORS).

The goal of oral rehydration therapy is to replenish the body’s fluid levels. It’s typically used to treat moderate dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, or other conditions.

In general, mild dehydration can be treated with fluids like water and clear broth. But for moderate dehydration, an ORS might be ideal.

In addition to water, ORS contains specific amounts of glucose and electrolytes. The electrolytes are potassium and sodium.

These components maximize fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract relies on sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), which are carrier proteins in the intestinal cells. Cotransporters help move substances across membranes.

Specifically, SGLTs pair together sodium and glucose transport in the small intestine. This allows glucose to increase fluid absorption.

Additionally, sodium needs glucose in order to be properly absorbed. This is why ORS contains both glucose and sodium.

The success rate of oral rehydration therapy is high. According to 2018 research, oral rehydration therapy has prevented 54 million deaths due to diarrhea since 2007.

Oral rehydration therapy is safe for and commonly used to treat diarrhea-related dehydration in children. Diarrhea is a common problem in children.

Children might also be unable to recognize thirst or hydrate themselves. Factors like burns, excessive sweating, or low water intake can further increase the risk of dehydration.

Oral rehydration therapy might also be used for older people and those with medical conditions. Like children, these individuals are at higher risk of dehydration.

Generally, healthy adults with mild diarrhea can also drink ORS, but it might be unnecessary. They can usually rehydrate with water, clear broths, or sports drinks that contain electrolytes.

There are now sugar-free electrolyte replacements on the market. These are NOT ORS options because glucose is needed in order for sodium to be properly absorbed.

Oral rehydration therapy is designed to normalize electrolyte levels. However, if the solution isn’t prepared or used correctly, it can cause salt toxicity. This is also known as hypernatremia.

Possible side effects include:

Who should avoid oral hydration solutions

You should use oral rehydration solutions with caution if you:

A doctor can determine if oral rehydration therapy is safe for you.

In general, oral rehydration solutions should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.

When used improperly, an ORS can lead to salt toxicity. This is more likely to happen if you drink an ORS when you don’t actually need it.

If you’ve had a lot of diarrhea or vomiting, speak with a doctor first. They can determine if you need an oral rehydration solution or if drinks like water are sufficient.

If you’re still experiencing dehydration symptoms after drinking water and sports drinks, consult a doctor.

ORS is a liquid solution. It’s designed to be consumed by mouth.

If a person is unable to drink due to vomiting, nasogastric feeding might be used. This delivers the ORS via a nasogastric tube, which is inserted through the nose and into the stomach.

It’s not recommended to treat dehydration with homemade ORS. Over-the-counter or prescription ORS is the safer choice.

Typically, ORS is available as powders in packets. The powders are designed to be dissolved in water.

The general steps for preparing an ORS are as follows:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and clean water.
  2. Next, wash a container and utensil with soap and clean water.
  3. Pour one liter of clean water into the container.
  4. Add the ORS powder to the water, then mix with the utensil.

How much to administer by age

The appropriate amount of ORS depends on your age.

This is because your age determines how much fluid your body needs to function. Younger children are naturally smaller, so they need less. Adults will need more because they have larger bodies.

Here are the recommended doses by weight or age, according to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital:

Weight or ageDosage
7–10 poundsat least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup) per hour
11–15 poundsat least 2 1/2 ounces (5 tablespoons) per hour
16–20 poundsat least 3 1/2 ounces (1/2 cup) per hour
21–40 poundsat least 6 1/2 ounces (3/4 cup) per hour
41–60 poundsat least 10 ounces (1 1/4 cups) per hour
10 years or olderup to 68 ounces (8 1/2 cups) per day

In addition to ORS, dehydration can also be treated by drinking:

  • water
  • decaffeinated tea
  • sports drinks
  • clear broth
  • diluted juices

The exception is severe dehydration, which requires intravenous rehydration. This treatment can quickly replenish lost fluids in emergency situations.

Mild dehydration can usually be treated with fluids like water and clear broth. However, symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration warrant a doctor’s visit.

Medical emergency

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

  • lack of sweat and tear production
  • dizziness that does not go away
  • fast heart rate
  • rapid breathing
  • dark urine

You should also see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms after consuming an ORS:

These symptoms might indicate salt toxicity.

An oral rehydration solution is used to treat moderate dehydration. It’s made of water, glucose, sodium, and potassium. The combination optimizes the absorption of fluid in the intestines, which helps quickly replenish fluids.

The solution is often used to treat dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting. You can buy it over the counter or get a prescription.

If you’ve had a lot of diarrhea or vomiting, speak with a doctor. They can determine if you need an oral rehydration solution or if you can rehydrate with plain water.