What is the treatment for dehydration? And what are ways of preventing dehydration?

Posted by RobertMoore65 on August 06, 2007

Just some info I received from one of my gastro docs. I was having a little trouble with the bathroom trotts. Knowing this has led to dehydration and a pancreas flair in the past, I wanted to avoid it if at all possible. I was trying to use OTC Immodium without much luck. So I started with the Poweraid to try and replace the fluid and electrolytes. The doctor explained that sports drinks are not the best way to approach re hydration. Sugar (too much) seems to be the culprit. He referred me to the below article with a home remedy for fluid replacement recommended by the World Health Organization. Please understand that this is not intended to be a cure-all. Dehydration is serious and should be treated by your doctor. The article follows, along with the orig. link: http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/page2.htm

What is the treatment for dehydration? And what are ways of preventing dehydration?

The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring. If you suspect excessive fluid loss during and illness, your physician should be notified. Intravenous or oral fluid replacement may be needed, depending on severity of fluid loss. In the 1960's the World Health Organization (WHO) developed an oral solution containing sugar, which improved the absorption of salt/water preparations, saving the lives of many dehydrated persons in remote areas. This solution can be prepared at home by mixing the following:
1. Table Salt - 3/4 teaspoon2. Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon3. Sugar -4 tablespoons4. Orange juice - 1 cup5. Water - 1 quart/liter

This beverage can be taken in small, frequent sips, and is often tolerated in the face of nausea and vomiting. Several commercial preparations are available, but since their composition varies, your physician should be contacted to decide which replacement solution (if any) is best. Changes in the type or amount of fluid replacement may be needed as symptoms improve. Care must be taken to avoid using these solutions improperly.

Food intake should be continued if at all possible, except for high fiber fruits and vegetables. There is controversy regarding ingesting milk products since the ability to absorb milk sugar (lactose) may be reduced. The prior policy of "bowel rest" seems to do more harm than good except in certain circumstances.