The Rise of IV Therapy

Dehydration, malnutrition and loss of blood-these are examples of symptoms that can be efficiently treated by Intravenous Therapy, or IV Therapy. IV therapy involves the direct delivery of fluids into a vein. This technique helps to quicker facilitate access to water, medication, blood, or nutrients to the body quicker through the circulatory system. This growing popularity of at-home IV therapy among celebrities has transformed it into the health trend it is today.

Why IV Therapy?

As mentioned before, the use of an IV line inserted directly into a vein allows the body to rapidly absorb large volumes of fluids. During the procedure itself, a healthcare professional will place a thin tube with a cannula into a person's vein, typically in the bend of the arm. This tube is connected to an IV bag filled with fluids, which gradually flows down the tube and directly into the vein. The type of fluids or nutrients administered in IV therapy is tailored to each individual's specific treatment requirements.

Benefits

IV therapy can be used to address various conditions such as:

• Severe dehydration
• Certain health conditions
• Types of pains
• Blood loss (via blood transfusions)
• Malnutrition or the inability to consume food

Other benefits include:

• Quicker recovery- Direct administration into the vein allows healthcare professionals to expedite a patient's recovery. This is beneficial in cases where swift replenishment of fluids or electrolytes is necessary, such as during severe dehydration.
• Enhanced efficiency- IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, enabling the body to absorb a larger volume of fluids without the need for them to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. This streamlines the delivery of medications to targeted organs, facilitating a quicker response.
• Convenience- Once a cannula is inserted, it can remain in place for several days. This eliminates the need for repeated needle insertions.

Possible Side Effects

With most things, there are some side effects to watch out for. These can include damage to blood vessels, bleeding from the site of insertion, swelling in the area, inflammation of the veins, and bruising. Other risks include:

• Formation of blood clots
• Hematoma, or swelling from the clotted blood
• Cellulitis, or swelling in the deep layers of the skin
• Skin necrosis, or premature death of skin cells
• The development of an abscess

Can I do IV Therapy at home?

While certain providers offer the convenience of at-home IV vitamin therapy, it’s important to remember the possible risks. Individuals who undergo IV therapy should exclusively be under the supervision of a trained medical professional. Booking any at-home medical procedure should always be consulted with a doctor first! Want to learn more about IV Therapy? Listen to my podcast all about it here!