Oral serum to combat dehydration in children

Diarrhea is the main cause of dehydration among children, although it can also be caused by gastroenteritis. Also, the hottest months are especially critical times, because the high temperatures favor the development of microorganisms thus increasing the proliferation of food toxoinfections. Therefore, it is very useful to know set up oral serum to rehydrate the little ones safely in case of dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration

If the child is less active than normal, you may suspect that he is suffering from possible dehydration, especially if he has any of these other symptoms:

• Dry mouth and lips
• That the child has not urinated for several hours
• Hollow eyes
• General weakness
• Dry eye, lack of tears

Oral serum serves to replace mineral salts and sugar

The Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics indicates that, during an episode of diarrhea, gastroenteritis or even high fever, the best option is to offer them liquids in small amounts many times throughout the day.

Despite this, if there is dehydration, then no will replace lost mineral salts and sugars. They will not be enough like fruit juices, commercial sports drinks or soft drinks, and can even make diarrhea worse.

The best option is the oral serum that you can buy at the pharmacy, but you can also prepare at home, always following the appropriate hygienic measures and adding the correct proportions of each ingredient. The serum promotes rehydration due to its contribution of water and mineral salts:

• The salts have the ability to retain the liquid and thus avoid evacuating it
• Sugar replenishes lost calories
• Lemon and lemon have astringent properties that relieve digestive discomforts such as cramps and nausea.

How to prepare oral serum at home?

Before starting to prepare the homemade serum, we must not forget to wash our hands properly.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of boiled water.
• 1 heaping tablespoon of sugar.
• 1 dessert spoon of salt.
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
• The juice of one lemon.

Preparation:

• Boil the water for 15-20 minutes.
• When the water is warm, transfer it to a clean bottle, preferably glass.
• Add all the ingredients, mixing well until completely dissolved.
• Let it cool down.
• Put in the fridge for better conservation.
• Offer it once it is cold.

How to take the oral serum?

The serum should be taken the same day of preparation and discarded every 24 hours after production. Must be ingested small sips throughout the day. For younger children it can be offered with a syringe or by tablespoons.

 In diabetes cases, is not always indicated. You should consult your doctor about the most suitable type of formulation to combat dehydration. Nor is home serum recommended when the symptoms are very strong and persist over time, when in doubt you should always go to the doctor for a personalized treatment.

 Once recovered, we must not forget to hydrate them adequately: offer water throughout the day, as little ones tend to forget to drink if they are having fun. Consume fruits and vegetables throughout the day and with main meals, other refreshing options can be cold soups, milk or natural fruit juice.

When to see a doctor for dehydration

Whenever we have doubts, we will consult with our pediatrician, especially if the child presents any of the signs of dehydration mentioned above or if after starting with the oral serum, it does not improve or continues with many vomiting.

When we speak of, those who feed exclusively on breastmilk It is advisable to continue breastfeeding on demand, it is usually enough to rehydrate adequately, in the case of babies who are fed with formula milkIt is the pediatrician who will guide the amounts of additional electrolyte solution if he considers it necessary.

• If there is dehydration, the best option is the oral serum that you can buy at the pharmacy, but you can also prepare oral serum at home.
• For its preparation, the appropriate hygienic measures must be followed and the correct proportions of each ingredient must be added.
• The serum should be taken the same day of preparation and discarded every 24 hours after preparation. Small sips should be taken throughout the day.

Resources: Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics // Master in Pediatric Nutrition and Sports Nutrition // Teladoc Health Consulting Nutritionist