Question

What is ORS?

Answer 1

Hint: It is a type of electrolyte used to overcome dehydration caused by illness or raised temperature. It has an effectiveness of \[90-95%\] for patients suffering from dehydration.

Complete answer:
- ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution. It is a mixture of electrolytes (like salt), sugar and water. It is taken when a balance of electrolytes ad fluids has to be restored.
- For instance, if a person suffers from Diarrhoea, he/she is given the ORS to restore hydration in the body. It also helps in recovering from excessive sweating or vomiting.As per latest reports by WHO, ORS ahs reduced mortality caused by Diarrhoea in children from $5$ million to $3$ million deaths per annum.
- It can also be made at home by using sugar, salt and water in appropriate proportions as follows: $6$ teaspoons of sugar, $1$ teaspoon of salt and $1$ litre of water are mixed to form ORS solution at home. - The proportions of sugar and salt used should be appropriate and should not be used in excessive amounts as it might lead to adverse impacts on the body of children.
- The main elements present in ORS are – Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Glucose, Anhydrous and Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate.
- It has been recommended by health experts that children and adults suffering from Dehydration should drink at least $3$ litres of ORS per day until they become well.

Note: ORS is easily available in powdered form at pharmacies, health centres and etcetera. It is prescribed that ORS should not be taken with empty stomach.