What Are the Five Principles of Rehydration for Diarrhea?

The five principles of fluid replacement for diarrhea are as follows: Firstly, the total amount of fluid replacement should be determined according to the severity of dehydration. Secondly, the type of fluid replacement should be determined based on the nature of dehydration, whether there is acidosis, hypokalemia, etc. Thirdly, during fluid replacement, it is generally recommended to start with a faster rate and then slow down, start with a concentrated solution and then dilute it, and give salt first and then sugar, while supplementing potassium when urine is observed. The total amount of fluid replacement should be completed at the prescribed rate. Fourthly, fluid replacement should include three components: accumulated loss, continued loss, and physiological requirement. Fifthly, the key to fluid replacement lies in the first 24 hours. For severe dehydration, hypovolemic shock, and severe acidosis, it is necessary to first expand the blood volume and correct acidosis, and then continue to replace accumulated losses, abnormalities, and continued physiological losses. After the recovery of blood circulation and renal function, the body can regulate itself. During the correction of dehydration, attention should be paid to potassium supplementation. Diarrhea patients should also avoid eating greasy foods, milk, goat milk, and large amounts of sucrose; avoid the blind use of antidiarrheal drugs; and avoid the abuse of chloramphenicol. If diarrhea is caused by indigestion, the use of chloramphenicol is dangerous. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, as diarrhea patients often experience severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to excessive bowel movements. At this time, it is necessary to supplement a large amount of water. Carrot juice, apple juice, watermelon juice, etc., can not only replenish water but also provide essential vitamins, making them excellent supplements. They are all excellent remedies for preventing dehydration and collapse due to diarrhea. Fluid replacement for diarrhea can be done orally or intravenously. However, it is important to remember not to add sugar, honey, or other substances to the solution randomly due to poor taste or other reasons when giving fluid replacement to children, as this may alter the osmotic pressure and salt-sugar ratio of the liquid. Elderly patients with hypertension or heart disease should be mindful of the speed of fluid replacement. Of course, for severe patients whose condition cannot be controlled or continues to worsen after self-treatment, it is still necessary to seek hospital treatment for intravenous infusion and further examination.