Scientists say a cheap, life-saving diarrhea treatment exported for use by children overseas could save hundreds of American children, too, if only it were used.

The treatment, oral rehydration therapy, involves a special mix of water, sugar and salt. Scientists are now teaching pediatricians about it and trying to convince lawmakers that making such over-the-counter treatments an affordable standard of medicine must be part of the overhaul of the nation's health care system.

"This isn't a glamorous topic," said Dr. Alan Meyers of Boston City Hospital, "but it's the sort of everyday need that would save children's lives and save millions of dollars. We can't let this get overlooked."

Viruses, bacteria and parasites cause diarrhea in 16 million American children under the age of 5 every year, with most of the cases occurring in January. For a vast majority of the victims, the illness is soon over without significant harm, but it can cause dangerous dehydration in a matter of hours. Worldwide, three million children die from dehydration every year; in the United States, the illness kills up to 600 children a year and hospitalizes another 360,000. Saving a Million Lives