What is IV Therapy?

Intravenous(IV) therapy is a procedure that doctors use to administer vitamins, blood, and other fluids to patients. A doctor can provide IV therapy using an IV line directly into a patient’s vein.

For instance, a doctor can use IV therapy to deliver fluids to patients’ veins to treat or prevent dehydration. IV therapy benefits patients who cannot take oral medications or where medicine is unavailable in an oral form.

A doctor may also prescribe IV therapy for some medications that work best when injected directly into the bloodstream. More importantly, IV therapy allows doctors to deliver fluids into the bloodstream at a controlled pace instead of all at once.

If you or a loved one is looking for IV therapy, consider visiting a trusted urgent care center in Houston, TX.

Here’s what you need to know.

Uses of IV Therapy

Doctors use IV therapy to treat:

• Severe dehydration
• Health conditions—IV therapy administers medication to patients
• Blood loss— blood transfusion
• Pain
• Malnutrition

Sometimes, IV therapy is considered emergency care. 

Types of IV Fluids

There are different types of IV fluids, and a healthcare professional will decide on a suitable treatment plan that matches your needs.

IV Vitamin Therapy

Doctors use IV vitamin therapy to deliver a high concentration of vitamins and minerals through the veins instead of drinking.  A typical IV Vitamin therapy contains Vitamin B and C, magnesium and Calcium.

A physician dilutes the vitamins and minerals with sterile water and then puts the solution in an IV bag with a tube attached to the cannula.

Doctors use IV Vitamin therapy to treat the following conditions:

• IV Vitamin C for Cancer: During cancer treatment, doctors may administer high doses of Vitamin C to treat cancer. Even so, more studies are underway on the effectiveness of IV Vitamin C for Cancer.
• IV Magnesium Sulfate Therapy for Acute Asthma: Some physicians use IV therapy to treat acute asthma, which has proved more effective for treating asthma in children than the nebulizer treatment.
• IV Selenin Therapy for Acute Respiratory Syndrome: It may be valuable for critically ill patients needing mechanical ventilation.

IV Therapy for Dehydration

Doctors recommend IV therapy for dehydration caused by food poisoning, serious injury, burns, excessive exercise, surgery, and excessive alcohol consumption. The blend of vitamins and minerals restores chemical balance, increases energy, and alleviates fatigue.

Here are the ingredients of IV therapy that minimize symptoms of dehydration:

• Zinc: It supports your immune system and metabolism.
• Vitamin C: It acts as an antioxidant that supports the skin’s health and the immune system. It also fights free radicals.
• Magnesium: Magnesium boosts energy production and supports nerve and muscle function.
• Glutathione: It is an additional antioxidant that fights free radicals.
• Vitamin B Complex: It supports red cell production, which boosts energy levels.

The IV therapy for dehydration is fast-acting because it is directly infused into the bloodstream. The fluids start rehydrating your cells and relieving dehydration symptoms immediately.

When Would You Need an IV for Dehydration?

Dehydration can trigger many ailments, highlighting the need for a timely intervention, including IV Therapy.

However, an IV for dehydration is particularly helpful if you suffer from severe dehydration. 

Signs of symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dry lips, mouth, or eyes
• No urination or dark urine
• Lightheadedness or fatigue
• Extreme thirst

What Happens in a Typical IV Therapy Procedure

Step 1: Assessment

The doctor will decide the type of fluid you need based on your health condition. In the initial period, the doctor will also evaluate the injection amount and how quickly you need it. The decision is based on several factors, including weight, age, and medical conditions.

Step 2: Preparation

The health provider will decide on the vein’s location to insert the cannula— the forearm, back of the hand, top of the foot, or wrist. If it is difficult to find the vein, the doctor will use an ultrasound scan to guide the needle.

After finding the vein, a physician will sanitize the area with a wipe before inserting the fine needle attached to the cannula. The doctor will also use an adhesive tape to hold the cannula.

Step 3: Set-up 

After placing the cannula, the doctor will use a tube to connect it to the IV kit.

Step 4: Monitoring

The doctor will regularly monitor the setup during the procedure to ensure fluid flows smoothly. The physician also monitors your condition to ensure there’s no pain or swelling in the area.

Step 5: Disconnect

After the therapy, the physician will disconnect the cannula from the tubing and remove it from your vein. They will then apply pressure on the wound to prevent bleeding and dress it if needed.

Risks of IV Therapy

Although rare, IV Therapy can trigger the following complications:

• Hematoma: Hematoma may occur when blood leaks from the blood vessels to the nearby vessels. It resembles a bruise that goes away after a few weeks.
• Collapsed Vein: A vein may collapse if an IV needle stays inside for a long time. Fortunately, if one of your veins collapses, the healthcare provider can locate an alternative vein.
• Infection: An infection may occur if the area is not cleaned before inserting the needle. 
• Infiltration: If the needle moves or becomes dislodged, the IV fluid can enter the tissues surrounding the vein. Infiltration may cause stinging or bruising, which is easy to resolve.
• Fluid Overload: If the procedure administers too much fluid, it could trigger a headache, high blood pressure, or trouble breathing. These symptoms resolve quickly after adjusting the fluid levels. Even so, fluid overload is a danger to your health.
• Air Embolism: Air embolism occurs when the IV injection pushes too much air into the vein. Although rare, it can cause severe complications, including death.

Try Lifeline Urgent Care IV Therapy Services

If you’re suffering from dehydration, an IV Therapy can quickly restore lost fluids and minerals into the body. While many institutions offer IV therapy, only a handful do it professionally, exposing patients to the risk of complications.

With that in mind, procuring IV therapy from a reputable and trusted urgent care center is advisable.

Lifeline Urgent Care Center has a well-equipped facility with certified physicians ready to administer IV therapy.

Contact us online or call us at 281.771.1144 to book an appointment.