Oral rehydration in diarrhoea : applied pathophysiology

The main danger of acute diarrhoea is the loss of body water and electrolytes. The scientific rationale for oral rehydration therapy depends on the function of the small bowel enterocytes. Recent studies have indicated that active secretion rather than a failure of absorption is the main mechanism for most cases of acute disease. The linked-absorption process of sodium and substrate enhance the assimmlation of replacement fluid and remains intact in most cases of diarrhoea. A suitable rehydration mixture depends on: the physiology of the absorption mechanism, the chemical composition of fluid secreted in the particular type of diarrhoea, and on practical factors relating to the cost and availability of ingredients. Oral rehydration therapy is an appropriate primary health care technique for use in early acute diarrhoea.