Have you ever thought of the side effects that may lie behind safe remedies? For instance, consider oral rehydration solutions. These salts are considered to be helpful for a dehydrated body. But, what about a number of negative impactsthat often escape your attention? We will be discovering all the overlooked ORS side effects together through this helpful blog. Keep reading this blog to find out more!
Highlights
- ORS increases water retention in the stomach.
- Oral rehydration therapy impacts the salivary glands.
- Salt solutions increase nutrients, hence impacting your health.
Unknown Cons of ORS
Apart from benefits, oral rehydration therapy may have side effects which include:
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: The osmotic effect of ORS draws extra water to the gastrointestinal tract. This triggers intestinal motility & frequent bowel movements. And so, you experience stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhea.
- Allergic Reactions: Many people positively respond to these solution therapies. However, in rare cases, hives, inflammation, runny nose, watery eyes, or skin irritation occur. If you notice any such signs, consult a doctor at the earliest possible.
- Xerostomia: Fluid replacement solutions have concentrated solutes. This mitigates the production of saliva. Also, the sodium content in these solutions inhibits moisture, aggravating oral dryness.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Such solutions contain abundant salts like sodium, potassium, or chloride. Excessive intake of these minerals upsets normal electrolyte levels. And you may experience hypernatremia (high sodium levels), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), or hyperchloremia (high chloride levels).
- Constipation: A 2021 study suggests that high consumption of salt solutions imbalances electrolyte levels. This alters ion channels in epithelial cells of the stomach. Resultantly, fecal excretion decreases and constipation occurs.
- Hyperglycemia: Since these drinks are glucose-rich, they can likely increase your normal sugar levels. As a result, urination often accompanied by frequent thirst increases.
- Hypertension: Ample sodium intake through these rehydration salts raises normal blood pressure. Thus, you may experience nausea, headache, chest pain, and fatigue.
- Loss of Appetite: ORS replenishes fluid levels, causing a feeling of fullness or bloating. In this condition, your appetite may decrease, impacting your diet pattern.
ORS Side Effects for Children
To treat mild or moderate dehydration, paracetamol or ibuprofen are given to the children. At the same time, rehydrating salts are substituted for these medications and are considered safe.
However, most of the time, diarrhea, fever, and gastroenteritis occur together, making your child sick. In such a case, 10-20 mL of rehydrating solution every 5-10 minutes can be effective.
But, keep in mind to avoid overconsumption as it causes nausea or vomiting.
- Research studies in 2020 claim that oral rehydration therapy (ORT) sometimes induces paralytic ileus.
- Also, if prepackaged salts are mixed in less water than the recommended quantity, high salt concentrations lead to complications. These include electrolyte imbalance or upper gastrointestinal problems.
Important! Always discuss the ORS dosage with an experienced doctor. You can also read the leaflet or instructions imprinted on the back side of the sachet pack.
Who should avoid oral rehydration therapy?
Patients suffering from the following health conditions are advised to avoid excessive intake of ORS. It is better to consult a healthcare provider beforehand:
- Kidney problems – multicystic dysplastic kidney, nephrotic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, or renal artery stenosis
- Cardiovascular issues – coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or aortic disease.
- Metabolic disorders – phenylketonuria, glycogen storage disease, hereditary fructose intolerance, diabetes, or organic acidemias
Note that ORS ingredients can interact with medications for mentioned conditions and disrupt normal body function. Therefore, consult a doctor before considering such therapies.
FAQs
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What happens if you drink too much ORS?
The overconsumption of ORS can likely upset normal blood pressure and healthy electrolyte levels, leading to lightheadedness or headache.
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When should you stop taking ORS?
If you develop puffy eyes or have breathing issues, immediately stop consuming oral rehydration salts. Also, consult a doctor at your possible earliest.
