What this covers
In childhood diarrhoea the main danger is dehydration, not the stooling itself. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) replace lost fluids and salts; a short course of zinc reduces the severity and duration of an episode and is recommended in settings where it is part of standard care — together they are the proven home treatment.
Safe-use guidance
- Start ORS at the first loose stools — mix exactly as the sachet directs with clean water.
- Give small, frequent sips, especially after each loose stool; continue breastfeeding and normal feeding throughout.
- Where zinc is advised, give it daily for the full course even after the diarrhoea stops — it can also help protect against the next episode.
- Discard prepared ORS solution after 24 hours and mix a fresh batch.
- Watch for danger signs: sunken eyes, dry mouth, no tears, lethargy, blood in stool, repeated vomiting, or no urine — seek urgent medical care.
Cautions
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets meant for adults are dangerous in children and should not be used.
- Antibiotics are needed only in specific cases (such as bloody diarrhoea or cholera) — not for routine watery diarrhoea.
- Mixing ORS too concentrated or too dilute reduces its benefit — measure water properly.
- Salt-sugar home solutions are a stopgap only; proper ORS sachets are cheap and far more reliable.
How iHealix helps
iHealix delivers ORS and zinc fast — often the difference-maker in the first hours — and a pharmacist or doctor can assess your child by video to catch danger signs early.
Prescription medicines always require an in-app consultation with a licensed doctor first — the e-prescription then goes straight to a licensed partner pharmacy for dispensing and delivery.