When individuals suffer from dehydration, it can significantly affect their mental and physical performance, mineral levels in the body, and energy. Dehydration can also manifest in dry, wrinkled skin and dry lips. Fortunately, the current market offers several methods to treat and prevent dehydration in people. Among them, what are IV fluids for dehydration? What is IV therapy used for? How about IV fluids side effects? Keep reading the article to find out.
What do IV fluids do?
Many consumers ask what are IV fluids used for. The truth is that IV fluids are specific liquids injected into a patient’s vein, straight into the bloodstream, via an intravenous tube. These drips work to prevent or heal severe dehydration that might occur due to surgery, specific medical conditions, severe injury, spending extended time in the heat, etc. Besides, IV fluids are usually classified into colloid and crystalloid solutions. The former involves giant molecules that typically remain in the blood vessels, like albumin, while the second variety of IV fluids can easily reach cells and tissues from the bloodstream. The common examples are D5W (dextrose in water) and saline.
What is the purpose of an IV drip?
The primary purpose of an IV is to treat dehydration in patients of all ages who are injured, sick, have surgery, etc. The human body consists of around 60% water, so when the organism receives insufficient liquid, it can influence its health. IV fluids are designed to treat extreme dehydration and restore electrolyte balances.
How long do IV fluids stay in body?
If you wonder how long do IV fluids stay in body, keep in mind that this greatly depends on the type of IV infusion you have and the needs of your organism. In general, IV fluids stay in the body for several hours after their absorption. Meanwhile, minerals and nutrients in the drip can potentially remain in the organism longer – between several days and weeks.
Are there any IV fluids side effects?
Even though IV therapy is considered a safe and straightforward procedure, it can pose some risks, like with any other medical practice. The common side effects include infiltration, when the needle gets the tissue around a vein, phlebitis, which means swollen vein due to an IV drip, infection, collapsed vein, and hematoma. A rare yet dangerous side effect is aim embolism – it manifests when an IV supplies excess air into the patient’s vein.
How long does an IV take?
So, how long does an IV take? This procedure is pretty fast to perform – it usually takes no longer than 45 minutes. This time includes an IV session, a health check, and paperwork that a patient needs to fill in.
Can urgent care give IV fluids?
The concern around urgent care giving IV fluids is also common among consumers. Urgent care appears as a good way to receive immediate medical help. Usually, an urgent care clinic provides patients with IV fluids, IV antibiotic treatment, X-rays, blood tests, and other options.
