If the child’s body loses from 15 to 20% of fluid by body weight, metabolic changes begin in organs and tissues. An increase in indicators to 20-22% or more is fraught with death. In order to make up for losses, dehydration agents are used for oral rehydration. By the term itself is meant just the replenishment of fluid lost by the body through ordinary drinking.
As a rule, such products (usually supplied in the form of powders) are a medicine and contain in their composition the necessary substances (sodium, potassium, chlorine and a number of other vital) in the right ratio. Timely rehydration therapy allows you to effectively treat a number of childhood diseases. This takes into account the severity of dehydration.
Degree of dehydration
There are certain clinical symptoms by which to judge the stage of dehydration of the child's body. In this case, often the initial indicator of body weight is unknown. There are three stages in total:
- Dehydration I degree (mild). Appears against the background of the development of acute diarrhea (90% of cases). The mucous membranes of the mouth and the ocular conjunctiva have a sufficient level of moisture. Stool is observed 3 to 5 times a day, in rare cases, vomiting occurs. Body mass deficit (MT) is not more than 5%.
- Dehydration II degree (medium). This is where you can’t do without an oral rehydration agent! For 2 degrees, frequent stools (about 10 times a day) and vomiting are characteristic. Moreover, it occurs one or two days after the appearance of these symptoms. The mucous membranes are dry, the pulse is unstable, the skin loses its elasticity, a moderate stage of tachycardia and anxiety are observed. You can also notice the retraction of the fontanel in moderate form.
- Dehydration III degree (severe). There is a kind of hypovolemic shock. An increased degree of dryness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and eyes, the face is more like a mask, the fontanel sinks more strongly, the enophthalmos of the eyeballs and tachycardia are pronounced, the eyelids do not close. There is also cyanosis with a characteristic marble pattern on the skin, a decrease in limb temperature. Low blood pressure, oliguria, metabolic acidosis, impaired consciousness are accompanied by a lack of response to stimuli.
The treatment procedure is carried out in two stages. At the first, the low content of liquid and electrolytes is made up by taking the means for oral rehydration for children.
The second stage is prevention, in which, if diarrhea is still present, medication continues. In severe manifestations, the fluid is filled intravenously.
List of effective remedies
In almost every pharmacy there are many rehydrating agents in the form of powders, tablets or granules. And here the question may clearly arise: what kind of treatment is with pills and powders, if the child has dehydration ?! It is worth considering that with the loss of fluid, the child’s body lacks sodium and chlorine salts. In addition, other auxiliary substances are present in the composition of such drugs, which can stimulate the child's immunity. The fermentation process improves, the body has additional energy that it spends on the fight against infection.
It is not necessary to purchase all rehydrating drugs in the pharmacy; it is enough to opt for a number of effective drugs. Among the majority, we will single out the most common means for oral rehydration. The list in this case will look like this:
- Regidron
- Hydrovit.
- Humana Electrolyte.
- Gatsrolit.
It is important to pay attention to the expiration date!
Regidron
Among most rehydration medications, this drug is the most common. Manufactured by Orion Corporation, which is located in Finland. The pharmacy is supplied in powder form, which includes:
- sodium chloride - 3.5 g;
- potassium chloride - 2.5 g;
- sodium citrate ≈ 3 g;
- glucose - 10 g.
One package contains 20 small sachets that hold approximately 19 grams of white crystalline powder. In water, the product dissolves well. The prepared solution is sweet and brackish at the same time.
The oral rehydration agent for children up to one year allows you to restore the acid-base balance, disturbed as a result of the loss of electrolytes. This happens during diarrhea or with frequent vomiting. Maintaining acid balance at an optimal level is provided by glucose. At the same time, the sodium preparation contains less than potassium, which is much more. For this reason, it is recommended by most experts.
It is worth noting that the drug has a number of contraindications. And what oral rehydration products for children do not have them? It can not be taken if there are problems with the kidneys, diabetes mellitus, bowel obstruction. It is also not recommended to use "Rehydron" with high blood pressure when the patient is in an unconscious state.
Hydrovit
The tool is relevant if necessary to provide emergency rehydration and detoxification assistance. It will also be useful in intoxication of various manifestations of genesis, as well as to replenish the water-electrolyte complex. Taking the drug allows you to adjust the body's metabolism. And thanks to a balanced chemical composition, the risk of acidic and electrolyte disorders is eliminated.
The main feature of the drug is the content of colloidal silicon dioxide, which, in fact, is a powerful sorbent. The rehydration agent has no contraindications regarding the age of the patient. That is, it can be applied to infants.
As is typical for glucose-salt solutions, the oral rehydration product for children with the name "Hydrovit" has a specific taste that not all children like. Therefore, sometimes there are difficulties with its reception. For such cases, there is a drug with a strawberry flavor. Children with allergies should be given solutions that do not contain flavorings and additives.
Humana Electrolyte
This product has a banana or fennel composition. Moreover, the first option is designed for children from birth, while the banana composition is recommended for use only to babies older than 3 years. The drug is also sold in powder form and packaged in sachets weighing 6.25 grams. One packing box holds 12 of these sachets.
The dosage is 50-100 (150) milliliters in relation to 1 kg of the child’s body weight. The main advantage of the drug lies in its pleasant taste. Means with fennel can get rid of colic and bloating. And thanks to the banana pectin in the composition, the drug binds various toxins and removes them from the body.
Gatsrolit
This drug, unlike the ones described above, is sold in the form of tablets, 30 pieces in one package, but, like others, is dispensed without a prescription. The oral rehydration agent must first be dissolved in hot water (2 tablets per 100 ml), after which the resulting solution cools to body temperature.
"Gatsrolit" is indicated for infants, that is, from the first day of appearance. Moreover, drinking should be given in a fractional way in small portions. The amount of solution should be calculated based on the following ratio: 90-13 milliliters are taken per 1 kg of the child’s body weight.
Among the advantages can be noted a pleasant taste resembling chamomile due to the content of this extract. Thanks to him, the drug has a good antispasmodic effect, fights inflammation, corrects peristalsis and helps to avoid bloating.
Rules for taking drugs
As a rule, any medicine sold through pharmacies has detailed instructions for use. In the case of the purchase of an oral rehydration agent in powder form, it is indicated directly on the package. You should carefully read the contents of the instructions and follow them exactly. In this case, special attention should be paid to the following factors:
- In which water to dilute the drug, at what temperature and how much is needed.
- How much of the prepared solution should be taken at a time.
- What are the features of storage of the prepared solution.
- It is equally important to pay attention to how much time is devoted to storing the solution.
The dosage of drugs is usually indicated in the number of milliliters of the solution in relation to 1 kg of patient weight (ml / kg). In this case, the instruction contains information regarding cases of severe dehydration (diarrhea, frequent vomiting), including amelioration of symptoms.
For example, the weight of the child is 20 kg, and the maximum dosage is 10 ml / kg. That is, at one time he can drink a solution in an amount of 200 ml, no more. If you take into account the usual faceted glass, then it should be filled to the edge. This will be the right amount.
Homemade Means
If suddenly for a number of different reasons, it was not possible to get the necessary funds, you can prepare an oral rehydration agent at home. It will turn out a certain analogue of "Regidron". This will require the following ingredients:
- Water - 0.5 l (boiled).
- Sugar - 2 tablespoons.
- Salt is a quarter teaspoon.
- Baking soda is as much as salt.
All this must be mixed in a liter jar. There is nothing complicated in the preparation, but before using it is better to consult a specialist regarding this solution.
Usually, if the dosage specified in the instructions for the drugs is observed, there should be no side effects. But if an unusual reaction is observed after taking the medicine, you should consult your doctor who decides whether to continue taking the drug or whether it is better to find another option.
Note
Water the child with rehydration solutions with caution, pouring a teaspoon into his mouth every 10 minutes. In some cases, you can give a small patient sweet tea or compote as a substitute. With copious vomiting, you need to drink the child by the drip method. However, even if a teaspoon of the oral rehydration agent does not stay in the stomach for a long time, the solution can be frozen. Giving small ice cubes should be very careful. Typically, this exposure to cold suppresses vomiting.
Taking rehydration drugs is just an addition to the main treatment with drugs that eliminate the causes of dehydration of the child's body.