When your child has diarrhea, the most critical medicine is likely already in your home: খাবার স্যালাইন (ORS). However, misbeliefs and aggressive marketing of expensive ‘Probiotic Saline’ are putting children at risk.
At the Children’s Gastroliver Center, Dr. Rafia Rashid wants every parent to know the scientific facts.
Part 1: The Deadly Myths About ORS
Myth 1: “I can mix half the packet in a half glass of water.”
FACT: This is dangerous. ORS is a precise chemical formula.
- Too little water: The solution becomes too concentrated (hypernatremia), which can damage your child’s brain.
- Too much water: It becomes too weak to rehydrate your child.
- The Rule: Always mix ONE full packet in exactly 500ml (or prescribed amount) of clean water. Never divide the packet.
Myth 2: “ORS stops the loose motion.”
FACT: ORS does not stop diarrhea immediately. Its job is to replace the water and salts your child is losing so they don’t get dehydrated (শুকিয়ে যাওয়া প্রতিরোধ). Think of it as a “Safety Net” that keeps your child alive while the illness runs its course.
Myth 3: “If the baby won’t drink, the mother can drink ORS.”
FACT: ORS does NOT pass through breast milk. If the baby won’t drink it directly, use a spoon or dropper to give small sips every minute.
Part 2: Is "Probiotic Saline" Better?
You may have seen expensive sachets labeled as "Probiotic Saline" or "Bio-Saline" at the pharmacy. Are they better?
The short answer: No.
What is in them?
Most of these expensive sachets contain probiotic bacteria (like L. acidophilus) but LACK the essential salts and glucose needed to treat dehydration.
What the Science Says:
- 1. WHO & UNICEF: Recommend standard ORS + Zinc as the main treatment. There is no recommendation for “Probiotic Saline” as a replacement.
- 2. No Dehydration Power: Unlike ORS, these probiotic saline powders cannot rehydrate your child.
- 3. Weak Evidence: While some specific probiotics (like L. rhamnosus GG) may shorten diarrhea by ~12 hours, the strains found in many local “Probiotic Salines” often lack strong evidence for acute diarrhea.
Dr. Rafia’s Verdict
If you are on a budget, buy standard ORS and Zinc. That is the life-saving combination. Probiotics are an optional “extra,” not a necessity.