What Are the Benefits of IV Fluids?

The answer to this question depends on the person and the reason why they’re receiving IV fluids in the first place.

For patients who are severely dehydrated or suffering from an illness that is causing vomiting and diarrhea, IV fluids can be a lifesaver. These patients often feel weak, dizzy, and have low blood pressure, and the administration of IV fluids can help them to replenish their lost fluids and electrolytes – improving symptoms.

In some cases, IVs can also be used to treat conditions such as migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia, as these ailments are often characterized by chronic dehydration and a lack of essential nutrients in the body. So, the administration of IV fluids may help patients feel better by providing the missing nutrients and restoring hydration levels.

It’s important to note, however, that IV fluids don’t always make a patient feel noticeably better. In some cases, a person may need multiple treatments over the course of several days before they start to notice an improvement in their symptoms.

They’re also not effective for all conditions or situations, so it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if IV fluids are an appropriate treatment option for you and your condition.

For most healthy people, drinking water is the preferred way to stay hydrated and maintain optimal fluid balance. However, in some situations, such as when severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances are taking place, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.

IV fluids are delivered directly into the bloodstream via a catheter, providing a more rapid and controlled response than drinking water. This makes them effective in treating conditions such as severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shock.

In addition, IV fluids can be customized to meet specific needs, such as balancing electrolyte levels or providing nutrients, which allows for more targeted treatment and faster recovery times.

IV therapy is used for a variety of reasons, ranging from treating dehydration to administering life-saving drugs in emergency situations. Here are some of the main reasons why you might require this type of IV treatment:

• Dehydration. This can be caused by a number of factors including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and inadequate fluid intake. By infusing fluids directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy can quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

• Nutrient deficiencies. In cases of severe malnutrition or chronic illnesses that impair nutrient absorption, IV therapy can be used to deliver essential vitamins and minerals directly to the body.

• Medical emergencies. In life-threatening emergencies such as severe bleeding, shock, or heart failure, IV therapy is used to rapidly deliver fluids and medications to stabilize the patient and prevent organ damage.

• Cancer treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are often given through IV therapy to maximize their effectiveness and minimize side effects.

• Pain management. IV therapy can be used to administer pain medications directly into the bloodstream, which can provide immediate and powerful relief for severe pain that’s unresponsive to oral medications.

• Mental health disorders. Certain mental health disorders, such as severe anxiety or depression, may be treated with IV therapy to deliver medications more quickly and effectively than oral medications.

Crystalloid fluids, the most commonly used IV fluids, are made up of water and small molecules like electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate). These fluids have a short stay in the body and typically are cleared within 24 to 48 hours.

In contrast, colloid fluids contain larger molecules like proteins and stay in the body for extended periods, with some studies indicating as long as 72 hours.

The patient’s metabolism also plays a key role in how long IV fluids stay in the body. For example, patients with kidney or liver problems have a slower metabolism, reducing the clearance rate of the fluids from their system.

In addition to this, the rate of infusion can affect how long fluids stay in the body. Lower flow rates enable the fluids to remain in the bloodstream for more extended periods, whereas higher flow rates increase their clearance.

At Express Health Urgent Care, we offer professional, safe, and effective IV therapy for those who need it. For more information about our IV services, contact us today, walk in for a same-day visit, or book in online to schedule an appointment down the line. We serve patients from Queens NY, Manhattan NYC, Midwood NY, Nostrand NYC, Ridgewood NYC, Metropolitan NYC, Staten Island, Greenwich Village NYC, and surrounding areas.