IV therapy involves adding fluids directly into your blood system. This is done via a fine needle which is connected to a bag full of fluid. The fluid can be a variety of different substances, depending upon what you may need and your state of health.
There are three different types of IV therapy although all of them involve the administration of fluid via a needle. The most common approach involves placing the needle into one of your peripheral veins. These are the ones which are closest to the surface and easiest to find. This type of IV therapy does not generally target a specific vein, just the area that the fluid is added to.
The second method of applying IV therapy is directly into one of your main veins. These are much larger and nearer your heart; in fact, the IV therapy can even be administered directly to your heart, if necessary. This type of IV therapy allow irritant drugs to be introduced into your system without side effects; it is also much faster than peripheral IV therapy as the heart will quickly pump it round the body.
Finally, it is possible to insert a sheath into a peripheral vein and run the sheath to the right atrium of the heart. This will allow IV therapy to be administered to the larger veins repeatedly. This type of IV therapy is very useful when a patient needs multiple fluids or regular amounts of it.
Why you Might Need IV Therapy
The ability to add fluids directly into your system have been a major advantage in medicine; allowing many issues to be treated successfully. You may need IV therapy to assist with:
- Blood Loss – Major operations and trauma can result in massive loss of blood. The human body has approximately seven pints of blood; if you lose three or four of these you will be in a critical condition. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients round your body, allowing your organs and muscles to function properly. Insufficient blood flow means your body will not have these vital ingredients. IV therapy can introduce blood quickly and effectively into your body; helping you to recover.
- Dehydration – There are many reasons why you may find yourself dehydrated. It could be a result of an illness, a trauma or even an extended period without water. Whatever the reason, when you are very dehydrated, drinking water will not be enough to rehydrate your body; which is 70% water! IV therapy can introduce a glucose solution into your body which will simultaneously hydrate you and increase your energy levels. Of course, IV therapy must be carefully monitored to ensure you have only the right amount of fluids. Too much can also be deadly.
- Treatment – Some illnesses make you too ill to be able to take medicine via your mouth. Alternatively, they may simply not be effective enough this way. In these cases, IV therapy is used to administer the life saving medicine directly into your blood stream. With proper medical assistance you can recover from a huge range of issues!
