ORS? Yes, yes, we know about it: This will be the commonest response if it is asked to the general public. But, if we ask: Do you know about ORT? Well, it may draw a blank response. This is because most people know the names of many commercial brands of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) that are available at the local medical shops as an OTC (Over The Counter) product, which means, it can be purchased without any medical prescription.

   Fortunately, most people know that ORS has to be given as a solution if there is diarrhea and hence its popularity. However, they do so without knowing what ORS/ORT does and how. ORT (Oral Rehydration Therapy) is the administration of water with sugar and salts by mouth to prevent or correct the dehydration that is a consequence of diarrhea. But have you ever thought about how much and which salts and sugar are required in how much fluid?

  Who cares? Oh, no! Well, things are not as simple as practised and....