If you’ve ever complained of a headache, a stomach ache, or any other minor discomfort, chances are that someone’s asked if you’re dehydrated. There’s no standard amount of water that everyone should be drinking each day. In fact, it varies based on your weight.
But what happens if you don’t drink enough water? Well, in serious cases of dehydration or in particularly susceptible populations, you may need to get IV fluid hydration in order to stay healthy and happy.
So what is IV fluid hydration? Read on to learn more about this dehydration treatment.
What is IV Fluid Hydration?
IV fluid hydration is a treatment most commonly used in hospitals to treat severely dehydrated patients. The treatment involves the insertion of an IV (intravenous line) into the patient’s arm. Then, rehydrating fluids will be injected into the IV line and circulate directly into the patient’s bloodstream.
Doctors use IVs for rehydration because they allow the fluids to go directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the wait time that occurs when you drink fluids. IV fluids usually also include electrolytes which also help to speed up the recovery time and replenish the body’s fluid supply.
When Do You Need IV Fluid Hydration?
IV fluids are usually used in cases of severe dehydration. For example, children who contract the flu may end up losing fluids from diarrhea and vomiting. If the dehydration is severe enough, it may be safer to rehydrate via IV, as opposed to drinking lots of fluids.
Dehydration isn’t just a problem in children, though. It can happen in adults, too.
Mild dehydration can cause an increased desire to drink, headaches, light-headedness, nausea, and fatigue. If the dehydration gets bad enough, it can lead to unconsciousness, so it’s important to keep track of your fluid intake throughout the day.
How Do You Get IV Fluid Hydration?
IV fluids are usually prescribed by a doctor and administered by a medical professional such as a nurse or NP in hospitals or other medical facilities. It’s important to make sure you’re seeing a professional who has been trained in inserting IVs. In other words, don’t try this at home!
Who Benefits Most from IV Fluid Hydration?
While anyone may be given IV fluids in their lifetime, there are a few populations who are particularly aided by this type of dehydration treatment.
Elderly patients often experience dehydration more frequently than the average adult. There are a variety of reasons for this, including decreased kidney function, certain medications, and simply forgetting to drink fluids as memory function declines.
The chronically ill are also frequently treated with IV fluids. This is because with certain conditions, they are not able to eat or drink on their own. IV fluids can help rehydrate someone who is unable to take in fluids on their own.
How To Treat Dehydration: IV Drips
Most cases of dehydration are mild enough to be treated at home. But if your symptoms become serious, it may be time to talk to your doctor or take a trip to the nearest urgent care facility.
IV fluid hydration may seem scary at first, but it’s generally a routine procedure and should help to get you back on your feet in no time! To learn more about how to stay happy and healthy, check out our other blog posts.
