Indore, India – In a bid to combat the threat to health of young children in india, from childhood diarrhea, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has launched a nationwide initiative to establish ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) corners in government hospitals across the country. The move comes as a crucial step in addressing India's alarming child mortality rate, where diarrhea remains a leading killer among children under five.
Diarrhea, often caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene, can rapidly lead to dehydration, a life-threatening condition for young children. It is a major health threat to children under 5 years of age, in India, claiming countless young lives each year.
Frequent loose or watery stools
Abdominal cramps or pain
Urgent need to use the bathroom
Bloating
Nausea
Fever
Dehydration
Blood or pus in stool (in severe cases)
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Foodborne illness: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to diarrhea.
Medications: Certain antibiotics and other drugs can have diarrhea as a side effect.
Dietary factors: Lactose intolerance, food allergies, or excessive caffeine or alcohol intake can trigger diarrhea.
Medical conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea.
DIarrhea can be managed by staying hydrated, and replenishing the body with lost nutrients as far as possible. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications are prescribed by your doctor, if diarrhea is severe, bloody, or accompanied by a high fever, seek medical attention immediately.
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)
It's a simple mixture of salts and sugars dissolved in water.
ORS typically contains:
Sodium (present as sodium chloride; NaCl): Replaces sodium lost through diarrhea.
Potassium (present as Potassium Chloride; KCl): Essential for nerve and muscle function.
Glucose or another sugar: Provides energy and aids in sodium absorption.
Citrate (present as disodium citrate): Helps maintain acid-base balance.
Forms of ORS
ORS is available in powder form, which needs to be mixed with water, and pre-mixed liquid form, ready to use.
In essence, ORS is a cost-effective and easily accessible treatment for diarrhea-induced dehydration. It is a simple yet effective solution which can prevent dehydration by replenishing essential fluids and electrolytes lost through watery stools. It has been instrumental in saving countless lives, particularly in children.
IAP organised awareness programmes in hospitals, nursing homes, Anganwadi centres, medical colleges and private clinics in Indore to educate both medical professionals and the public on proper preparation and use of ORS.
By making ORS readily available in hospitals, the IAP aims to save countless lives and improve the health of India's children.
To further strengthen the fight against diarrhea, the IAP is also promoting the use of zinc supplements, which have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of the illness. By combining ORS with zinc and ensuring adequate hydration, healthcare providers aim to significantly reduce the impact of diarrhea on children's health.
This nationwide initiative is a crucial step towards achieving India's goal of reducing child mortality rates and improving the overall health and well-being of its youngest citizens.
Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Aditi Bakshi/MSM)
