Do you have oral rehydration salts?
re-i-dra-ta-TSYO-ne — six syllables. 'Orale' — o-RA-le. Two separate long words.
Ask after vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, or fever. Essential for preventing dehydration.
'Sali per la reidratazione orale' = oral rehydration salts (ORS). These replace electrolytes — sodium, potassium, glucose — lost through illness. Italian brands: 'Pedialyte', 'Humana Elektrolyt', 'OrsalYte'. Available in sachets ('bustine') mixed with water. Also called 'sali minerali reidratanti' or 'reidratanti orali'.
Mio figlio ha vomitato tutta la notte.
My son has been vomiting all night.
Context for the request — child vomiting needs careful rehydration
Ho perso molti liquidi con la febbre alta.
I have lost a lot of fluids with the high fever.
Fever causes significant fluid loss — rehydration is essential
Quanto liquido devo bere al giorno?
How much fluid should I drink per day?
General rehydration guidance — usually 2-3 litres per day when ill
The 'dieta in bianco' (bland diet) — consisting of rice, boiled potatoes, grilled chicken, and plain biscuits ('crackers') — is universally recommended by Italian doctors and pharmacists for gastroenteritis. This dietary tradition is deeply ingrained in Italian healthcare culture. Carbonated water ('acqua frizzante') is discouraged during GI illness; 'acqua naturale' (still water) is preferred.