Hydration Therapy

Hydration Therapy is a common medical practice that was recorded in the early 1400s but later became widespread in the 1900s. It is a safe medical technique used for rehydration to provide nutrients or deliver medications in the fastest and safest way. During hydration therapy, the intravenous route is the commonly used route that requires placement of an intravenous line. This is performed by a trained professional and consists of needle piercing through the skin and entering a vein which is later connected to a syringe or external tubing.

For some reason, hydration therapy is also used for the consumption of recreational medicines. Most therapies are administered at one time while others are administered for an extended infusion or drip. IV hydration therapy often directs fluids directly into your vein to provide immediate hydration and relief.

What is the process of Hydration Therapy?

Just like any other medical procedure, before initiating hydration therapy a consultation is done. Your medical history should be evaluated first to determine if you need the therapy, the benefits, contraindications, and side effects.

For every hydration therapy, a doctor or a registered nurse will determine the quantity of intravenous fluid given at which rate, and the kind of fluid. Different clients will require different intravenous fluids depending on their body needs.

Once a qualified professional has determined this, they will disinfect your skin over the injection area. In most scenarios, an alcohol swab is used to prevent infection. After locating the site, especially your arm, a vein is located and an IV catheter is inserted.

Placement of IV lines has slight discomfort with minimal bleeding that comes with pricking but resolves with time. Once the catheter is inserted the hydration therapy takes about 15-45 minutes depending on the type of fluid and the rate calculated.

How do you prepare for Hydration Therapy?

Hydration Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure. As an individual receiving this therapy, you will need some pre and post-care. Whatever fluids you are receiving it is important to be prepared both physically and psychologically. Let’s start with the Pre care before the therapy

1. Take plenty of water

While it seems contradicting to drink plenty of water before your hydration therapy, well it’s important. The entire purpose of hydration is to provide nutrients and electrolytes needed. Before your therapy, take as much water as you can. Dehydration causes your veins to contract making it difficult to insert a cannula for intravenous therapy. Drinking water counteracts dehydration preventing collapsed invisible veins.

2. Take a snack

Eating food or snacks in the morning of your appointment keeps you energized throughout the therapy. Food and snacks boost your blood sugar levels preventing nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness that may be experienced after your session. Unless contraindicated or the doctor’s order suggests you should not eat anything, make sure to consume food for energy.

3. Avoid taking over-the-counter medication

If possible avoid taking over-the-counter medications unless you have a doctor’s prescription. Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants should be avoided during the morning of your therapy. These meds cause your blood vessels to contract making it difficult to get an IV injection. If it is important to take over-the-counter medications, tell your doctor about them to avoid complications.

4. Wear something comfortable

This might be one of the least important things to do but it is recommended. Although much hydration therapy takes place in hospitals where they provide a hospital gown, wear comfy clothes. This is because if the procedure will be performed as an outpatient, your doctor might recommend that you don’t change. So whatever makes you comfortable and relaxed is the perfect outfit for your treatment.

Post care involves a few things to observe. This will usually happen after your hydration therapy, which is important to pay attention to.

5. Check the injection site for swelling

Definitely to administer hydration therapy an IV line is started. It is uncomfortable and sometimes leaves bruises or bleeding. This is expected to be resolved within a few hours after your treatment session. If you notice continued swelling and bruising at the injection site, report this to your doctor immediately. It is a minor side effect, but make sure to inform your doctor to avoid further complications. Additionally, you can apply ice packs to prevent further swelling.

6. Keep the injection site clean

After your session of hydration therapy a small bandage is placed at the injection site. This is to prevent bleeding that may occur after the IV cannula is removed. Usually, you will need to go home with that little bandage. The bandage is supposed to stay in place for a few hours after therapy. In the meantime keep the injection area clean by preventing any contamination to avoid infections.

7. Be Informed

One thing to always advise your clients is to be informed. Always pose those questions to your doctor or nurse about why you need the therapy, how long it will last, and how to prepare. This information is important to your health matters and leaves you knowing what’s next. Have a little notebook to record all your sessions and a reminder so you do not miss your appointments.

How safe is Hydration Therapy

This is always a common question you will hear clients ask. Hydration therapy is a safe procedure with minimal risks. The most common concern is to make sure whoever initiating the therapy is a skilled professional is. This could be a doctor, registered nurse, or paramedic in some cases.

Since the components used in the therapy go directly to your veins, they are usually sterile. This means they are free from any contamination or microorganisms. Remember to always opt for hydration therapy in a clinic that uses licensed medical professionals such as registered nurses to ensure you receive proper and safe hydration therapy.

Why should you get IV Hydration Therapy?

While scheduling appointments with your doctor, you would always want to know why they are settling for IV hydration therapy. In most scenarios, it would be because of dehydration. Often we can’t get proper hydration from just food and drinks which is why hydration therapy is recommended.

The benefit of hydration therapy stems from its fast delivery of nutrients and availability to the body system. This therapy has been beneficial to many people for general well-being to stay hydrated and restore bodily functions.

What are the Benefits of Hydration Therapy?

After a lot of research and consultation, it’s good to understand the general benefits of hydration therapy. Apart from the common importance of staying hydrated, various benefits come with the therapy as discussed below.

1. Boosting Immunity

Hydration therapy is enriched with different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help to fight infections. Vitamin C and B12 are major components that protect the body against diseases and maintain proper immunity functioning. According to different medical researchers, individuals who receive hydration therapy usually have attacks of flu and cold. In addition, it ensures immune boosting functions begin immediately giving the body the required protection on time.

2. Proper body functioning

Lack of enough fluids in the body leads to electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are simple compounds that keep our body functioning to the maximum. Whenever these electrolytes are below normal levels because of dehydration, your body organs especially the kidneys begin to shut down.

The best way to keep your body nourished and hydrated is by consuming plenty of fluids. Hydration therapy ensures proper body functioning through hydration and an optimal supply of fluids to the kidney. Additionally, adequate hydration helps to prevent the buildup of toxins in the kidney. The fluid through IV hydration therapy flushes out toxins from the body.

3. Prevention of Fatigue

Have you experienced an intense workout? Hydration Therapy offers quick recovery from fatigue or intense workouts. It helps the body to recover from lost fluids and minerals during physical exercise. This ensures your recovery time is reduced and improves general well-being.

What are the risk factors of Hydration Therapy?

As mentioned earlier, hydration therapy has plenty of benefits and also disadvantages. Though it is a simple and safe procedure, when not performed well there may be side effects. Although these complications are rare they can occur.

1. Fluid Overload

This refers to when the fluid in the body exceeds the expected amount. If too much fluid is administered through hydration therapy it causes fluid overload. One way to notice these complications is by experiencing severe headaches, high blood pressure, puffy face, or trouble breathing.

2. Infection

Infection is the most common type of complication. It happens if the injection site is not kept clean and dry all the time. Signs may include redness at the injection site or swelling. Inform the healthcare provider once you notice the signs and start the antibiotic therapy prescribed.

Conclusions

The benefits of hydration therapy are diverse from supporting proper body functioning and boosting immunity to treating dehydration. However, this therapy is associated with complications that are rare and can be solved. Before starting your therapy, consult your doctor for professional management and recovery.