Oral rehydration therapy

Diarrhoea is an intestinal disorder which causes frequent watery feceas. The damage can include:

• Damage to epithelial cells
• Loss of microvilli due to toxins.
• Excessive secretion of water due to toxins. 

As a result of diarrhoea:

• Water isn't being absorbed from intestine- In the case of cholera water is being lost. 
• Drinking water doesn't replace electrolytes(ions)  that are being lost from the intestinal cells. 

Its is possible to replace the water and ions intravaniously using a drip but requires trained personel. 

Oral rehydration therapy involves mixing water with a suitable mixtutre that involves little training the administer, ensuring that the slution is given regualy in large amounts: 

Due to the fall in water potential the solution must contain:

• Water- To rehydrate tissues
• Sodium ions- To replace sodium ions lost from the epithelium of the intestine and to optimise the use of alternative sodium-glucose carrier proteins. 
• Potasium ions- To replace lost potassium ions and to stimulate appetite. 
• Other electrolyes- Such as chloride ions and citrate ions to help prevent electrolyte imbalance and a condition called metabolic acidosis