Saline Solution given to Cholera patients

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  • Thread starter Rongeet Banerjee
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In summary, oral rehydration salts replace fluid and salts lost in acute diarrhea. They are available as Gastrolyte and Dioralyte and are effective when used in conjunction with ORS. Oral rehydration salts are not effective when given alone and must be supplemented with other factors that enable the body to absorb the water.
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Rongeet Banerjee
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TL;DR Summary
Function of Na+ ions in saline drip
Does Na+ions prevent water loss from body?
 
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Human body is big bag of saline solution. But diarrhea causes fluid and salt loss and human enzymes need minimum salt level. Normally the saline has some glucose to speed absorption. Some of the food poisoning (diarrhea) bacteria interfere with chloride metabolism. Although Sodium is the highest concentration electrolyte, Potassium is required by heart and nervous system.
 
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  • #3
shjacks45 said:
Human body is big bag of saline solution. But diarrhea causes fluid and salt loss and human enzymes need minimum salt level. Normally the saline has some glucose to speed absorption. Some of the food poisoning (diarrhea) bacteria interfere with chloride metabolism. Although Sodium is the highest concentration electrolyte, Potassium is required by heart and nervous system.
Sorry, but I still don't understand how does Na+ help in preventing water loss from body.
 
  • #4
Rongeet Banerjee said:
Sorry, but I still don't understand how does Na+ help in preventing water loss from body.
Are you confusing with NaCl? Remember the ratio of ions is 1:1 the idea is to keep salt in the body not prevent water loss. Na+ ions can be useful to maintain cell membrane permeability among other things.
 
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Several years ago I ran across a WHO recommendation for a home Rehydration Fluid until patient can get medical attention: 1 liter water, 1 handful sugar, a pinch of salt.

Here is a link to the World Health Organization "WHO Model Formulary for Children", 2010.
Description/discussion is on pg.370 (388 in the PDF file)
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44309/9789241599320_eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y17.5.1 Oral rehydration
Acute diarrhoea in children should always be treated with ORS, according to their degree of
dehydration, following one of three management plans (see Oral rehydration solution monograph).
Oral rehydration salts
ATC code: A07CA
Powder for dilution in 200 ml; 500 ml; 1 litre
Contains: glucose 13.5 g/l, sodium chloride 2.6 g/l, potassium chloride 1.5 g/l, trisodium citrate
dihydrate 2.9 g/l
Provides: glucose 75 mmol/l, sodium 75 mEq or mmol/l, chloride 65 mEq or mmol/l, potassium
20 mEq or mmol/l, citrate 10 mmol/l, osmolarity 245 mOsm/l
Special Notes: Oral rehydration salts are also referred to as ORS.
Known by the brand names Gastrolyte and Dioralyte.
Indications: Oral rehydration salts replace fluid and salts lost in acute diarrhoea.
Precautions: Renal impairment.
Cheers,
Tom
 
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1. What is saline solution and how is it given to cholera patients?

Saline solution is a mixture of salt and water that is used to rehydrate the body. It is given to cholera patients through an IV drip, which allows the solution to be delivered directly into the bloodstream.

2. Why is saline solution given to cholera patients?

Cholera is a diarrheal disease that causes severe dehydration. Saline solution helps to replenish the body's fluids and electrolytes, which are lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Is saline solution the only treatment for cholera?

No, saline solution is just one aspect of treatment for cholera. Antibiotics are also used to kill the bacteria that causes the disease, and oral rehydration therapy may be used in milder cases.

4. Are there any side effects of using saline solution for cholera patients?

Generally, saline solution is safe and well-tolerated by patients. However, in rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions or fluid overload. It is important for medical professionals to monitor patients closely while administering saline solution.

5. Can saline solution be used as a preventative measure for cholera?

No, saline solution is not a preventative measure for cholera. The best way to prevent cholera is through proper hygiene and sanitation practices, such as handwashing and safe food and water consumption.

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