Cholera
Alternative names:
V. cholera; vibrio
Treatment:
The first objective of treatment is to replace fluid and
electrolytes lost through
diarrhea. Depending on
the condition of the person, oral or intravenous fluid will
be given. Tetracycline may shorten the duration of the symptoms.
Note: tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children
until after all the permanent teeth have come in, because
it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an oral
rehydration solution that is cheaper and easier to use than
the typical intravenous fluid. This solution of sugar and
electrolytes is now being
used internationally:
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) come in a dry mix. Use one
packet per quart (liter) of water. Cera Lyte 70 oral rehydration
salts also may be used at one packet per quart of water.
- An adult patient should drink a quart of ORS per hour
until frequency of urination begins to increase and urine
color turns light or clear. For the first four hours, a
child should receive 1.5 ounces (44-milliliters) per pound
of body weight; after that reduce the amount to one ounce
(30-milliliters) of ORS per pound per eight-hour period
until the diarrhea resolves. For an infant, reduce the amount
of milk in the diet and add more water, diluted juice, half-strength
sports beverages and ORS. For a breast-fed child, keep nursing
but more frequently. For a formula-fed child, if diarrhea
continues after a few days, switch to soy formula or ORS.
- If pre-measured ORS salts are not available, use one of
the following alternatives:
- Mix 8-ounces fruit juice with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon
honey or corn syrup. The patient's next glass of fluids
should be 8-ounces disinfected water with ¼ teaspoon baking
soda (sodium bicarbonate). The patient should alternate
between these two solutions.
- Mix 1-teaspoon table salt and 1 cup of rice cereal in
a quart of water; use within 12 hours or discard.
- Mix 1-quart of disinfected water plus ½ to 1 teaspoon
of table salt; ½ teaspoon of baking soda; ¼ teaspoon of
salt substitute; and either 6 to 8 teaspoons of table sugar
or 1 to 2-tablespoons of honey. Do not over-sweeten. Alternate
consumption with ½ to 1-quart of plain disinfected water.
Expectations (prognosis):
Severe dehydration
can cause death. Given adequate fluids, most people will make
a full recovery.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if profuse watery diarrhea
develops.
Call your health care provider if signs of dehydration
occur, including rapid pulse
(heart rate), dry
skin, dry mouth, thirst,
"glassy" eyes, lethargy,
sunken eyes, no tears, reduced or no urine, and unusual sleepiness
or tiredness.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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