Rehydration

In those with excessive fluid losses and dehydration, more aggresive measure like intravenous fluids or oral rehydration therapy with isotonic, electrolyte solutions containing glucose or starch should be given. Oral rehydration therapy is less expensive, often just as effective, and more practical than intravenous luids. A number of oral rehydration solutions are available, including pedialyte, rehaldehyte, ricelyte, resol. The world health organization (WHO) formula and home made Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) are equally effective. Fluids should be givenat rates of 50 to 200 ml/kg/24 hour, depending on the hydration status. Intravenous fluid (RL solution) are prefferd acutely for patient with severe dehydration and in those who cannottolerate oral fluids.
Rice water
Rice-flour based ORS was found to be an inexpensive, palatable, easily available, and an effective alternative to glucose-based formula. Results of the study showed that rice-ORS treated episodes of watery diarrhea ended with shorten duration (median duration 2 days vs 4 days) and fever hospitalization (0,1 % vs 0,5%) compared to those treated with glucose-ORS. These differences were statically significant.

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Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the leading public health problem in developing countries. Diarrhea is characterized by the frequent evacuation of liquid stool usually exceeding 300 milliliters per day, accompanied by an excess loss of fluid and electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium. Diarrhea is not disease, but a symptom of many medical conditions and complication of some medical treatment, including many medications.
Most cases of diarrhea are due to bacterial or viral contaminated food or water, or lack of immunization against infection diseases. Diarrhea can deplete the body of fluid and nutrients and produce malnutrrition as well. Mild diarrhea that remits in 24 to 48 hours is seldom a cause for concern unless the person is already dehydrated.
Symptom of diarrhea
Patient with acute infection diarrhea typically present with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and frequent stools, which may be watery, mal-absorptive, or bloody depending on the specific pathogen. The principle components of the treatment of acute diarrhea are fluid and electrolyte replacement, dietary modifications, and drug therapy.

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