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ORS A Solution for Survival
ORS A Solution for Survival

In developing nations, acute diarrheal diseases and dehydration caused by them are one of the most significant causes of death in infants and young children. This dehydration can be managed orally and intravenously, with oral rehydration therapy being the most effective, simple to use, and worthwhile of the two options.

Definition: Dehydration is defined as the loss of water and dissolved salts from the body, occurring, for instance, as a result of diarrhoea and the correction of dehydration is called as Rehydration.

Oral Rehydration Therapy: The Solution is in Your Hands

WHO defines Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) as “The administration of fluid by mouth to prevent or correct the dehydration that is a consequence of diarrhoea”. This fluid consists of a special mixture of water, glucose and salts which help to replenish the lost electrolytes and water and bring it back to normal levels. ORT is an effective treatment method to manage dehydration and a powerful alternative to intravenous therapy.

The WHO Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (CAH) in collaboration with UNICEF recommend Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) as the main strategy to achieve a reduction in diarrhoea-related mortality and malnutrition in children.

ORS Composition

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is the non-proprietary name for a balanced glucose-electrolyte mixture. ORS was approved, recommended and distributed by WHO and UNICEF for the first time in 1969 as a treatment option to manage dehydration throughout the world.

Reduced osmolarity solutions have been introduced by WHO and UNICEF, especially for children, to increase the safety and efficacy and subsequently reduce the stool output.

Reduced osmolarity ORSgrams/litreReduced osmolarity ORSmmol/litre
Sodium chloride2.6Sodium75
Glucose, anhydrous13.5Chloride65
Potassium chloride1.5Glucose, anhydrous75
Trisodium citrate, dihydrate2.9Potassium20
  Citrate10
  Total Osmolarity245

If ORS is unavailable, then a mixture of 6 level teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 level teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 litre of clean water can be given to a child. Extra care must be taken while mixing the components as too much sugar can worsen diarrhoea and too much salt can be dangerous for the child.

How Oral Rehydration Works?

1.  In a healthy individual, water is continuously exchanged through the intestine’s walls. Nearly 20 litres of water is secreted and reabsorbed every 24 hours. This physiological process also allows the absorption of soluble metabolites (from the digested food) into our bloodstream.

2. In an individual suffering from diarrhoea, this balance of secretion and resorption gets disturbed, resulting in more secretion than resorption. This causes several litres of water loss in a day along with a significant reduction in sodium levels.

3. Sodium is an essential mineral present in the form of Na+ in blood plasma and body fluids i.e. extracellular fluids. Dehydration causes irregulated sodium levels and rapid depletion of water along with Na+. For proper functioning of the body, about 135-150 mmol/l of Na+ are required to be present in the extracellular fluid.

Do you know?
Depletion in more than 10% of the body fluids might result in acute kidney failure subsequently leading to Death.

4. If we only give saline solution to treat diarrhoea, it may worsen the situation. This is because the mechanism for Na+ absorption by the intestinal wall is impaired in diarrhoeal state and the presence of excess Na+ could further result in water secretion worsening diarrhoea.

5.  Adding glucose/dextrose to the saline solution initiates a “co-transport coupling mechanism” as a result of which, each molecule of glucose being absorbed by the intestinal wall helps in the transportation of one molecule of Na+. A relatively increased concentration of sodium inside the intestinal wall pulls water through it, as glucose only co-transports Na+ and not water.

Do you Know?
The co-transport coupling mechanism of Na+ and glucose is reported as “potentially the most important medical advance this century” by THE LANCET journal.

Other molecules with an aptitude to co-transport Na+ through the intestinal wall are amino acids, dipeptides and tripeptides. Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is useful for the treatment of dehydration in patients suffering from prolonged diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, vomiting.

We @ Datt Mediproducts recommend oral rehydration solution as an excellent therapeutic technique for rehydration as “Rehydration Saves More Children

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Medical tapes are indispensable tools in the healthcare industry, offering numerous benefits for both healthcare professionals and patients. These tapes serve as an effective means of securing wound dressings, surgical incisions, and medical devices, such as catheters or IV lines. By keeping these materials in place, medical tapes promote proper healing, prevent contamination, and reduce the risk of infection. Moreover, they provide support to the injured area, minimizing movement and potential damage. The versatility and ease of use of medical tapes make them an essential component of any healthcare setting.

There is a wide range of medical tapes available, each designed to suit specific applications and patient needs. Some commonly used types include:

Minipore™:

Minipore™ tape is a hypoallergenic paper tape that offers gentle adhesion, making it suitable for patients with sensitive or fragile skin. It allows for breathability, reducing the risk of skin maceration while securely holding dressings in place. Read more about products visit https://dattmedi.com/minipore.html

Velpore™:

Velpore surgical paper tape possesses hypoallergenic qualities, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Its gentle nature ensures it is kind to the skin. The microporous structure of Velpore enables exceptional breathability, facilitating airflow and minimizing the likelihood of maceration.This tape is frequently utilized for securing wound dressings, delivering dependable fixation while enabling freedom of movement and flexibility. Its mild adhesive properties allow for painless and damage-free removal from the skin. Read more about products visit https://www.dattmedi.com/velpore.html

Velsilk™:

Velsilk tape is a silk-like cloth tape that combines excellent adhesion with gentle removal. It adheres securely to the skin while minimizing discomfort during tape removal. It is particularly useful in situations where frequent dressing changes are required, as it allows for easy application and removal. Read more about products visit https://www.dattmedi.com/velsilk.html

Role of Tapes in Wound Care Management:

Medical tapes play a vital role in wound care management. They help to secure dressings and keep them in place, preventing contamination and facilitating the healing process. Tapes also provide stability and support to the wound, reducing movement and minimizing the risk of further injury.

Additionally, they create a barrier against external pathogens, protecting the wound from infection. Properly applied medical tapes promote optimal wound healing and can contribute to positive patient outcomes.

Significance of Patient Comfort and Safety:

Patient comfort and safety are of utmost importance in healthcare. When using medical tapes, it is essential to consider the comfort and specific needs of each patient. The choice of tape should be based on factors such as skin sensitivity, wound location, and duration of use. It is crucial to select tapes that are hypoallergenic, breathable, and gentle on the skin to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Regular monitoring of the taped area is necessary to ensure that the tape is not causing any discomfort or skin irritation. Moreover, proper tape removal techniques should be employed to avoid skin damage or pain.
Guidelines and Best Practices for Application and Removal:

To ensure the effective and safe use of medical tapes, the following guidelines should be followed:

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  • If the tape is stubborn or adhered tightly, consider using a medical adhesive remover to aid in its removal.
  • After tape removal, clean the skin and assess for any signs of irritation or redness.

When properly applied and removed, medical tapes contribute to effective wound healing, prevent infection, and enhance patient comfort. By following guidelines for their proper application and removal, healthcare providers can maximize the benefits of medical tapes while minimizing the risk of complications.


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