Cholera is a pretty vicious illness, and it seems to track disasters.
I'm no expert, but from what I've read, the actual cause of death in cholera cases is electrolyte imbalance. The bush cure IIRC is "a handful of sugar and a pinch of salt" mixed into sterilized water. The salt(s) are what they need to survive; but it can't pass through the intestinal wall without a bit of sugar. Something to do with the chemistry of osmosis (?).
Others here can comment with more authority.
Actually, you're kind of right. Dehydration kills in cholera - but is it the lack of electrolyte or the lack of fluid? I honestly don't know.
Sodium can enter cells just fine. It's the glucose that needs the sodium to enter the intestinal cells. Of course, that also depends on a steady source of potassium. Google "sodium glucose transporter" if you want to know more. Then you'll have to figure out "sodium potassium transporter." Long story short, the sodium/potassium pump keeps the electric charge of a cell where it's supposed to be. Other proteins/pumps/transporters use that charge to bring stuff in or move it out. There's basic cell electrochemistry, for nearly every animal cell on the planet.
Previous Topic
Index
