Through the use of a tiny, flexible tube known as an intravenous (IV) catheter, fluids and nutrients are administered directly into the bloodstream during IV hydration therapy. Electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins are frequently included in the fluids and nutrients used in IV hydration therapy since they are crucial for maintaining healthy hydration levels and general wellbeing.
Dehydration and other medical disorders have been treated with IV hydration therapy for a long time. Clinical investigations have repeatedly demonstrated that IV hydration therapy is a reliable and secure method for rehydrating the body and reducing dehydration symptoms.
According to a research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), IV hydration therapy is more efficient than oral hydration at rehydrating patients (drinking fluids by mouth). In the study, individuals with cholera, a diarrheal illness that can lead to severe dehydration, were compared to the effectiveness of IV hydration therapy against oral hydration. The study team discovered that individuals who got IV hydration therapy recovered much more quickly and had fewer problems than those who received oral hydration.
Additionally, other research have shown that IV hydration therapy is efficient in treating kidney disease, cancer, and hangovers, among other medical ailments. Researchers discovered that IV hydration therapy was helpful at enhancing quality of life and lowering fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in one trial that was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
When carried out by a qualified medical professional, IV hydration therapy is generally regarded as safe. However, there are potential risks and side effects that should be taken into account, just like with any medical procedure. Infection, hemorrhage, and vein damage are a few of these that might occur.
Overall, IV hydration therapy is supported by research as an efficient and secure technique to rapidly restore the body’s fluids and nutrients and relieve dehydration symptoms. Although there may be some side effects and dangers, these are usually uncommon and can be reduced with the right care.