Rehydration is the correction of dehydration. Salts and water are lost during diarrhea. These can be replaced by oral rehydration salt (ORS) or intravenous fluids, based on the type of dehydration. Mild and moderate dehydration can be managed by ORS. Severe dehydration should be treated with IV solution.
Mutiple antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in many countries. Therefore, antibiotics should be chosen according to the sensitivity pattern of the organism.
Food should be started as soon as the patient can eat. Complete withdrawal of food during diarrhea is not recommended. Breastfeeding should be continued throughout the course of diarrhea. Extra protein intake is needed during and after some diarrheal diseases, for example shigellosis.