oral rehydration therapy

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), also known as oral rehydration solution (ORS), is a medical treatment used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially that caused by diarrhea. The therapy involves drinking a precise mixture of water, glucose (or sucrose), and electrolytes—primarily sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium citrate or bicarbonate. The mechanism of action relies on the sodium-glucose cotransport system in the small intestine; glucose enhances the absorption of sodium and thus water into the bloodstream. Potassium helps replace losses from diarrhea or vomiting and prevents hypokalemia; citrate corrects metabolic acidosis associated with dehydration[1][2][3][5][6][8]. ORT is recommended by major health organizations such as WHO and UNICEF for all ages with mild to moderate dehydration due to diarrheal illness. It has dramatically reduced global childhood mortality from diarrheal diseases since its adoption in the 1970s[1][4][5].

Other names

oral rehydration solutionORTORSoral salt rehydration therapy