Almost everyone has had an IV at some point in their life. Whether it was for dehydration after a bout of the flu or to get antibiotics during an illness, most people have experienced getting fluids through an IV.
However, there are still many misconceptions about IVs and what goes into them. This blog post will explain what you should know when getting fluids through one.
What Are Intravenous Solutions?
As per reports, the global intravenous solutions market was valued at $10.7 billion in 2020. This market is growing and may expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9 percent from 2021 to 2028. Intravenous solutions are sterile, liquid preparations infused directly into the bloodstream through a vein. They are used to replenish fluids and electrolytes, provide nutrients, or administer medications.
The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Below are a few things you to consider before getting fluids through IV.
- Consider Your Dietary Restrictions
Your diet is crucial in assessing how much fluid you need. So, for example, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you’ll need to be careful not to overdo it on the fluids.
Some other dietary restrictions to keep in mind are:
-No sugar
-Low fat
-Gluten-free
When you’re getting fluids through an IV, you’ll need to ensure that your dietitian or doctor knows about these restrictions.
- Talk to Your Doctor About Current Medications
If you are currently taking any medication, it is essential to let your doctor know. Some medicines can interact with the fluids in an IV and cause problems.
Your doctor will also want to know if you have any allergies. Again, some medicines could cause an allergic reaction.
For example, allergies like latex or medicines like penicillin can cause anaphylaxis or hives. So, the nurse or doctor can take necessary precautions and administer an IV that’s right for you. It’s also necessary to let your doctor know about your medical conditions. For example, some diseases, like kidney disease, can make it dangerous to get too much fluid.
- Ask About the Types of Fluids Available to You
Some of the types of fluids that are available are as follows:
-Normal saline, which is a saltwater solution
-Lactated Ringer’s, which is a saltwater solution with electrolytes
-Glucose water, another name for sugar water
-Plasma, a liquid portion of your blood
Each type of fluid has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to ask your nurse or doctor about which type would be best for you.
For example, Lactated Ringer’s is often the best choice for dehydrated people because it contains electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which help replenish the body’s fluids.
Plasma contains more protein than the other options, which can help critically ill or injured people.
Normal saline is often used for treating dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea because it quickly replenishes the body’s fluids.
Final Words
Dehydration can cause many health issues, especially if you don’t know the signs. But with a little bit of knowledge and some common sense, it’s easy to avoid. And if you do find yourself in a severely dehydrated state, don’t hesitate to get fluids through an IV under medical supervision.