Cholera medical therapy
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Cholera Microchapters |
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Cholera medical therapy On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Cholera medical therapy |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]
Overview
Choleria is a severe bacterial gastrointestinal, diarrheal disease. In its most severe forms, cholera is one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known. A healthy person may become hypotensive within an hour of the onset of symptoms and may die within 2-3 hours if no treatment is provided. More commonly, the disease progresses from the first liquid stool to shock in 4-12 hours, with death following in 18 hours to several days without rehydration treatment.[1][2]
Medical therapy
Summary of the treatment
- Rehydrate with ORS or IV solution depending on the severity. Rehydration involves replenishment of the lost fluids and then maintenance of the fluid balance
- Maintain hydration and monitor frequently the hydration status
- Give antibiotics for severe cholera cases
Assessment of dehydration
| Mental status | Eyes | Thirst | Skin pinch | Conclusions | Management |
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| Normal, Alert | Normal, hydrated | Normal | Goes down quickly (spontaneously) | No / Mild dehydration |
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| Irritable | Sunken | Drink eagerly | Goes back slowly (< 2 sec) | Some / Moderate dehydration (in case if 2 of the symptoms are present) | |
| Severe | Sunken, absence of tears | Drinks poorly | Goes back slowly (> 2 sec) | Severe dehydration (in case if 2 of the symptoms are present) |
HOW TO PREPARE HOME-MADE ORS SOLUTION?
- If ORS sachets are available: dilute one sachet in one litre of safe water
- Otherwise: Add to one litre of safe water:
- Salt 1/2 small spoon (2.5 grams)
- Sugar 6 small spoons (30 grams)
- Try to compensate for loss of potassium (for example, eat bananas or drink green coconut water)