Treating Dehydration With IV Therapy
IV hydration has been used in hospitals to treat severe dehydration for years, while the wellness industry uses it to help people feel and perform at their best. Proper hydration is an important part of everyday bodily function, and extreme dehydration can cause serious harm. However, IV hydration can combat these negative effects and allow optimal health and function.
Negative effects of dehydration
The body needs hydration to function well. The more severe and longer dehydration lasts, the more harmful it can be. Even minor dehydration can lead to feeling sluggish, problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, and weakness and confusion. In severe cases, dehydration can result in severe organ damage and worse.
Causes of dehydration
Knowing what contributes to dehydration is important for knowing when one might be at risk. Most people are aware that dehydration is caused by not drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol, or strenuous exercise in hot weather. Being sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can also cause the body to become dehydrated. What some people may not realize is that certain medications and physical conditions can also contribute to dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration
Common symptoms of dehydration include thirst, fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, headache, and dark yellow urine. If these symptoms are mild, drinking more water could do the trick. However, it is important to recognize signs that one's level of dehydration could be dangerous and may require IV hydration. The following are warning signs of severe dehydration:
- Delirium and confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Inability to produce tears
- Eyes that appear sunken
- Fast breathing
- Extremities cool to touch or blotchy-looking
- Dry mouth and skin
- Strong-smelling dark yellow urine
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and needs treatment right away.
How IV hydration therapy works
No matter the reason, IV therapy starts with an evaluation from a medical professional. The provider will determine the type and amount of fluid needed based on factors such as the patient's age, weight, medical conditions, and other nutrients or electrolytes the person may be lacking. The patients will lie down or relax in a reclining chair while the medical professional cleans and disinfects the skin in preparation for IV insertion.
The procedure is fairly simple. A tourniquet is used to help find an appropriate vein for the IV. The patient may feel a pinch when the IV is inserted. Then, the tourniquet is removed, and the IV is taped in place and attached to a bag of fluids. The provider will turn on the machine that pumps the fluid into the IV line. The session typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient's needs, and the practitioner will monitor the patient during this time.
Benefits of IV hydration
IV hydration can be lifesaving when a person needs to hydrate fast. A key benefit of hydration through an IV is that it bypasses the stomach and digestive system and goes directly into the bloodstream, where the fluid is absorbed faster. This fast hydration can quickly relieve dehydration symptoms.
IV hydration offers several health benefits and is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for those wishing to kick a hangover or improve athletic recovery and performance. IV hydration can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and help give someone a younger and healthier-looking glow. Finally, IV hydration can help boost the immune system to better fight illness and infection.
Candidates for IV hydration
IV hydration is ideal for those who need emergency hydration. In addition, the treatment is helpful to those with conditions that make it difficult to get proper hydration through the digestion process. However, this therapy can also be helpful to those recovering from a hangover or a strenuous workout that has depleted their fluids and electrolytes. IV hydration can also help those recovering from illness or surgery.
Finding a provider
If the level of dehydration constitutes a medical emergency, patients should head to an emergency room or hospital. Urgent care centers may also provide IV hydration. Many facilities offer this type of treatment for those seeking nonemergency IV hydration. However, though IV hydration is a simple procedure, it must be performed by a qualified medical professional following strict safety protocol. Risk is minimal, and side effects are rare, but it is crucial to have a medical professional present to handle any problems should they arise.
Hydration is key to wellness
The human body functions best when it is well-hydrated. Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine offers IV hydration in a relaxing and professional environment. To learn more about this therapy and its benefits, call us today.
Request an appointment here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.
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