Health experts are advising people to use only WHO-recommended ORS for dehydration instead of sugary drinks. ORS is crucial for treating diarrhea, especially in children during the hot summer months. India faces a challenge in preventing dehydration, with diarrhea being a leading cause of death among children.
Despite ORS being essential, data shows that only 60.6% of children with diarrhea receive it. This highlights the need for more awareness and proper use of ORS. Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a pediatrician, emphasized the importance of ORS in managing diarrhea and dehydration in children. ORS helps restore fluids and electrolytes, ensuring faster recovery in children under five.
Using incorrect salt or sugar mixtures can be harmful for dehydration treatment. Proper balance of water and electrolytes is necessary. Home-made solutions or sugary drinks can lead to serious health risks. Public awareness campaigns are promoting WHO-compliant ORS solutions like Prolyte ORS, Dr Morepen ORS, and ORS Walyte to combat dehydration.
Dr. M Surendranath from Vijay Marie Hospital stressed the importance of choosing the right ORS, especially in hotter months when dehydration is more common. It is crucial to differentiate between ORS and sugary drinks, as the latter lack the necessary balance of glucose, sodium, and potassium for effective rehydration. Using WHO-approved ORS formulations is essential for overall health, especially for children who are more vulnerable to dehydration in the summer.
