can we drink ors during loose motion - #16473
I am dealing with this really annoying issue—loose motion that just won’t quit. I started having these cramps and then, bam, the loose motion hit. It was like my tummy just decided to throw a party for the wrong reasons. Anyway, I tried a bunch of things, like staying hydrated and all, but then someone mentioned that ORS could help. Now I’m curious, can we drink ORS during loose motion? I’ve seen some conflicting info online, some people swear by it while others say it’s not needed unless it gets super serious. I don’t want to overdo it or make things worse, you know? Also, nobody told me how exhausting loose motion could be; I feel drained! It's like I can't keep anything down, and I just want to feel normal again. Should I be using ORS just because I have this loose motion situation? Or is it okay just to stick to water? My doctor told me to avoid dairy, but does that mean I should be sipping on ORS more? I’ve heard it can help with electrolytes or whatever, but like, is it really necessary? Anyone else dealt with this craziness? What’s the deal?
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Doctors’ responses
Yes, drinking ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) during loose motions can be quite beneficial. The main reason behind using ORS is to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance which can be disrupted due to diarrhea. The loose motion causes you to lose not just water, but also essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which ORS is specifically formulated to replace. Generally, ORS is recommended especially when diarrhea persists for more than a day or if symptoms evolve or worsen. It can be more effective than just water because it provides those crucial electrolytes that plain water cannot replace, potentially preventing dehydration. While you’re dealing with loose motions, it’s also important to stick to clear fluids and avoid substances that might irritate your stomach, like dairy as you mentioned, or caffeine. If your symptoms are making you excessively tired, or if you experience any signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness, ORS should be top of your list to use. However, if there’s no improvement or if symptoms include anything severe like high fever or blood in stools, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider promptly. It doesn’t sound like overdoing ORS should be a concern, as it’s not intended to cure diarrhea but to manage dehydration risk. You can generally purchase ORS packets at most pharmacies, which you just mix with water. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the solution concentration. Sipping slow and steady can help your body absorb it better as well. Also, if diarrhea is profuse or not improving, seeking medical evaluation can help identify any underlying conditions that might need specific treatment.
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