The Role of Oral Rehydration in Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Children

Abstract

One hundred and fifty children in the outpatient department, and 95 inpatients suffering from diarrhoea were studied, to assess the role of oral electrolyte fluid (OEF) in the management of dehydration. Comparable groups were studied in which OEF was given, or not given, and another where antibiotics were administered or not. We found the administration of OEF early in the course of the disease very effective in the prevention of moderate and severe dehydration. Given to hospitalized patients, along with initial IV fluids in severely dehydrated children, OEF helped in earlier correction of dehydration, and reduced the period of hospitalization as well as the resultant morbidity. This is a cheap, simple and safe method for the management of dehydration and should be routinely recommended for these cases. The cost of oral treatment in terms of money and skilled manpower is small. The routine use of antibiotics in uncomplicated cases has no significant advantage.