Patients suffering from cholera are given saline drop as

Options

A. `Na^(+)` stops transmission of nerve impulse and hence sensation of pain
B. NaCl supplies energy
C. `Na^(+)` helps retain water in the body
D. NaCl functions as fuel for cellular activities.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Cholera**: Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It leads to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily characterized by profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting.

2. **Symptoms and Effects**: The primary symptoms of cholera include severe vomiting and diarrhea, which result in significant fluid loss. This fluid loss can lead to dehydration, a critical condition that needs immediate attention.

3. **Mechanism of Disease**: The cholera toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae activates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. This activation leads to an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, which in turn causes the secretion of chloride ions and bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen. This results in the loss of water and electrolytes, exacerbating dehydration.

4. **Importance of Saline Drops**: To combat dehydration, patients are given saline drops. These saline solutions typically contain sodium ions, which are crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.

5. **Role of Sodium Ions**: Sodium ions play a vital role in the body, particularly in the sodium-potassium pump, which helps in retaining water in body tissues. This is essential for rehydration and restoring normal physiological functions.

6. **Additional Nutrients**: Saline solutions may also contain glucose, which provides energy to the patient, aiding in recovery.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, patients suffering from cholera are given saline drops primarily because the sodium ions in the saline help to retain water in the body, combating the dehydration caused by the disease.

**Final Answer**: Patients suffering from cholera are given saline drops as sodium helps to retain water in the body.

---