IV hydration is a simple treatment that delivers fluids directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous tube. It is a quick and efficient way to rehydrate your body if you are seriously dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, too much exercise in the heat without drinking water, or severe injuries or burns. The body can take hours until it rehydrates due to water absorption in the large intestines. For this reason, Covington, GA, primary care center recommends IV hydration since it rehydrates in a way that drinking fluids can’t.
Why is water essential in your body?
Drinking water does more than quench your thirst; it is essential for the functioning of your body. Your body’s systems require water to function and survive, so you should always stay hydrated. For example, water is essential for joint lubrication, body temperature regulation, and moistening tissues in the nose, mouth, and eyes, among other things. Dehydration affects your:
- Â Â Â Â Energy levels
- Â Â Â Â Cognitive function
- Â Â Â Â Physical performance
- Â Â Â Â Skin health
- Â Â Â Â Gastrointestinal function
- Â Â Â Â Balance of electrolytes in the body
- Â Â Â Â Organs including kidneys, brain, and heart
Causes of dehydration
Your body gets dehydrated when you lose more fluids than you take in, like spending much time outside in hot weather without drinking fluids. You can also get dehydrated when you sweat during exercise or drink too much alcohol. After having a night out with your friends, you may feel tired, and your head may hurt the following morning. These are signs of dehydration due to excess alcohol consumption.
Vomiting and diarrheas and long airplane flights may also result in dehydration. You may become dehydrated because you forgot to sip water throughout the day.
What happens during IV hydration?
If you need IV hydration, your provider first determines the fluids you need depending on why you are getting the treatment. IV fluids are mainly crystalloid solutions comprising small dissolved molecules that can easily pass from the blood into the tissues and cells. Examples include saline (salt) and dextrose (sugar) solutions. Your provider also determines the amount of fluid you need and how fast depending on your weight, age, and medical conditions.
The doctor usually cleans the skin on top of your hand or inside your elbow using a disinfectant. Next, your provider ties an elastic band around your arm and examines the veins to locate the right insertion site. You may feel a sudden pinch as the doctor slides a sterile needle into the vein. The other end of the needle is usually attached to a small plastic tube that connects to a long tube and then a bag of fluids.
Your provider secures the IV needles to your arm to ensure it stays in place and hangs the bag of fluids from a hook on an IV stand. The healthcare provider then turns on a machine that pumps the liquid into the IV line and will regularly monitor your IV line and the amount of fluid entering your body.
Consult your healthcare provider at Oasis Healthcare Service, Inc. to understand how you can benefit from IV hydration.
