IV Drip Health: What You Need To Know
Have you ever been told to drink plenty of fluids? There’s a reason for that. Fluids carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells in our body, keeping us alive and functioning properly. A lack of fluids can cause dehydration which is when the body doesn’t have enough water and other liquids in order to function. Dehydration can be caused by sickness, fever, or even just strenuous activities in hot weather. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, and tiredness.
IV therapy replenishes fluids that we lose through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, being sick with a virus/flu/cold/etc., or just simply not drinking enough water! IV therapy also provides vitamins and minerals that are often lost due to stress or illness. For more information on what an IV drip is, how it works, as well as the benefits of IV therapy, please continue reading.
What an IV Drip is:
Intravenous therapy is a type where a person is given fluids and other needed nutrients through a needle in a vein. A small catheter, called an IV line, is inserted into a vein using a needle or scalpel. This allows the fluid to be delivered directly to the bloodstream. It is usually the fastest way to deliver fluids and other medications.
IV therapy is most often used as a treatment for dehydration, severe burns, stomach issues from an illness, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and more. IV therapy can also help those who have been injured or are critically ill obtain better overall health by hydrating their body with fluids and nutrients.
How Does it Work?
IV therapy equipment is set up like an IV drip, but with a lot more nuance.
The IV bag contains fluids that are administered through the needle. The fluid will be given slowly or quickly depending on your needs. This may be all you need for dehydration, but if not, there are other medications that can be given through IV therapy as well.
The vein is located in the arm and then taped to prevent any movement. The needle is then inserted into the vein and the fluids will flow into the body until they reach their proper levels.
Occasionally, you may feel some pain when getting an IV, but this should only last about 30 seconds to a minute. Once it’s over your discomfort should subside after about 5 minutes or so.
Benefits of IV Therapy
IV therapy is beneficial for people of all ages and lifestyles, but it can be especially helpful for those who are sick, active, trying to lose weight or just don’t drink enough water. IV therapy replenishes fluids that we lose through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. It also provides vitamins and minerals that are often lost due to stress or illness.
FAQs about IV Therapy
The process of IV therapy is very simple. The patient will be connected to an IV pole and a bag of fluid will be hung from the pole. The fluid may also contain vitamins, minerals, or medications as needed.
Some patients may feel lightheaded or dizzy after receiving IV therapy, but this condition usually lasts for just a few moments and can be minimized by lying down.
IV therapy helps patients who are experiencing severe dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc. It also replenishes lost nutrients such as potassium and magnesium which are essential in regulating blood pressure and heart function respectively. IV therapy is an excellent way to treat those who need additional fluids that they cannot get from food/beverages alone!
How to Prepare for Your First IV Therapy Session
Before the first treatment, a doctor will need to perform a physical exam and obtain a complete medical history. This is so they can determine the best course of action for you. It’s also important to mention any medications that you’re currently taking as this may affect the treatment options.
Your doctor may recommend an IV session for those with low blood pressure or as a means of alleviating symptoms from a viral infection, such as fever, nausea, dehydration, or headaches.
If you’re going in for an IV treatment to replenish fluids lost through sickness or excessive exercise it’s important you drink plenty of water before your appointment time. For many people with a virus/flu/cold/etc., the recommendation is to try to drink 8-10 glasses of fluid per day.
There are some side effects that come with IV therapy which include feeling lightheaded after getting up from lying down and feeling nauseous from swallowing large amounts of fluids too quickly.
Conclusion
IV therapy is beneficial for many reasons. For one, IV therapy can replenish fluids to people who may not be drinking enough water due to sickness or fever. It also provides vitamins and minerals that are lost because of stress or illness.
If you’re feeling dehydrated, don’t hesitate to contact your physician for an IV drip!