Fluids given orally are better than intravenous fluids for children who are dehydrated say researchers according to a recent study .
Oral rehydration therapy is recommended for children with mild to moderate dehydration. However, a recent survey reveals that most pediatric emergency medicine physicians do not use this therapy instead they use intravenous methods, which are performed by injecting the fluid directly into a vein.In a study conducted to evaluate the two methods patients received either oral rehydration therapy or intravenous fluid therapy. At the end of the trial researchers found oral rehydration therapy is as effective as intravenous fluid therapy for rehydration of moderately dehydrated children due to gastroenteritis .
In conclusion researchers say oral rehydration therapy is sometimes superior and when fluids are given orally, treatment can begin quicker. Thus researchers suggest that oral rehydration therapy be the initial treatment of choice for moderately dehydrated children under age 3 with gastroenteritis.
