Which statement best describes the management goal in cholera?

Which statement best describes the management goal in cholera?

• A. Avoid dehydration and start antibiotics only
• B. Aggressive fluid replacement to restore perfusion
• C. Observation without fluids
• D. Diet modification only

Answer: (B)

In cholera the top priority is rapid fluid replacement to restore circulating volume and tissue perfusion. The illness causes enormous, rapid losses of water and electrolytes from profuse, secretory diarrhea, so without aggressive rehydration the person can quickly become dehydrated and go into shock. The main goal is to replace those losses as quickly as possible— with oral rehydration solutions for mild to moderate dehydration, and IV fluids (like normal saline or Ringer’s lactate) for severe dehydration or shock—while continuing rehydration even as antibiotics are added if indicated. Antibiotics can shorten the illness but do not replace the need for fluids. Options focused on observation alone or diet changes fail to treat the life-threatening dehydration.

In cholera the top priority is rapid fluid replacement to restore circulating volume and tissue perfusion. The illness causes enormous, rapid losses of water and electrolytes from profuse, secretory diarrhea, so without aggressive rehydration the person can quickly become dehydrated and go into shock. The main goal is to replace those losses as quickly as possible— with oral rehydration solutions for mild to moderate dehydration, and IV fluids (like normal saline or Ringer’s lactate) for severe dehydration or shock—while continuing rehydration even as antibiotics are added if indicated. Antibiotics can shorten the illness but do not replace the need for fluids. Options focused on observation alone or diet changes fail to treat the life-threatening dehydration.