Dehydration due to diarrhoea: The right amount of ORS for children of various ages

Diarrhoea may seem like a minor illness, but it claims more than 2.5 lakh young lives across the globe every year. Without timely treatment, the condition can lead to serious complications and even death. For infants, breastfeeding remains one of the most effective safeguards against diarrhoeal diseases. Apart from providing essential nutrition, breast milk strengthens a child's immune system and helps protect against a range of infections. Palakkad District RCH Officer Dr A K Anitha explains how to handle diarrhoea in children, the correct amount of ORS, and more.

Preventing diarrhoea begins at home. Families with young children should pay close attention to hygiene and food safety practices. Stale food should be avoided, cooked food should be kept covered, and homes and surroundings must be kept clean and sanitary. Controlling flies is equally important.

Simple habits such as washing hands thoroughly with soap before serving food and after using the toilet can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Parents should also ensure that children receive all recommended vaccinations on schedule.

Watch for dehydration
Special attention should be given to preventing dehydration, which is a common and potentially serious complication associated with diarrhoea.
Watch out for these signs
Parents should watch for the following signs, which may indicate dehydration in a child:
a) The child may appear uncomfortable, irritable, drowsy, dizzy, unusually lethargic or may even lose consciousness.
b) The child's eyes may appear sunken.
c) The child may experience excessive thirst, restlessness, or may be unable to drink enough fluids
d) The skin around the abdomen may become wrinkled, and when gently pinched and released, it may take longer than usual to return to its normal position.
If any of these symptoms are noticed, seek medical attention immediately.

ORS and zinc tablets
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) should be given to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea. Zinc supplementation should be administered along with ORS and continued for 14 days.
Recommended ORS intake:
a) Children below 2 months: Up to 4 teaspoons of ORS solution.
b) Children aged 2 months to 2 years: One-fourth to half a glass of ORS after each episode of diarrhoea.
c) Children aged 2 to 5 years: Half a glass to one full glass of ORS after each episode of diarrhoea.

Benefits of zinc supplementation
Zinc plays a vital role in managing diarrhoea by helping children recover faster and reducing the frequency and severity of diarrhoeal episodes. It improves energy levels, supports overall well-being, aids recovery as a restorative supplement, boosts appetite, and helps prevent anaemia.

Administering zinc tablets for 14 days can also reduce the risk of recurrent diarrhoea for up to three months. In addition, it helps lower the risk of serious infections such as pneumonia.

Recommended zinc dosage
Children aged 2 to 6 months: 10 mg daily (half a tablet).
Children aged 6 months to 5 years: 20 mg daily (one tablet).