Question

Saline drip is given to a cholera patient because
(a)NaCl kills Vibrio cholera
(b)NaCl generated ATP
(c) ${ Na }^{ + }$ ions stop nerve impulse and hence sensation of pain
(d) ${ Na }^{ + }$ ions help in retention of water in body tissue.

Answer 1

Hint: Cholera causes severe dehydration and diarrhoea that can kill within hours if left untreated. But it is also an easily treatable disease. Since it causes loss of electrolytes it can be replenished by the ORS and proper hydration.

Complete answer:
Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. It mostly spreads through the ingestion of contaminated food and water and is an extremely virulent disease and can cause acute severe watery diarrhoea.
Mild to moderate Cholera can be treated by standard ORS sachet which is dissolved in 1L of clean water. A patient suffering from Cholera is given intravenous saline as ${ Na }^{ + }$ ions helps in the retention of water in the body tissue.
Electrolytes particularly sodium helps the body to maintain normal fluid levels in the compartment. The concentration of fluid depends on the amount of electrolyte present.
The kidneys help to maintain this fluid-electrolyte balance by filtering electrolytes and water from the blood. But in Cholera the water loss cannot be compensated just by the renal system thus, sodium from outside in the form of saline drip is needed.
So, the answer is, “${ Na }^{ + }$ ions help in the retention of water in body tissue. “

Note: -Aside from supportive therapy and replenishment of water and electrolytes, cholera is treated using the administration of antibiotics which are required to kill the pathogenic Vibrio cholerae.
-Antibiotic therapy for one to three days shortens the course of the disease and reduces the severity of symptoms
-Antibiotics drastically improve the outcomes in those who are both cases of severe dehydration and also less severe cases.