Other types of IV vitamin therapy include:
- IV selenium for acute respiratory distress syndrome: This therapy can be beneficial for critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
- IV magnesium sulfate for acute asthma: Research has shown that this treatment can be more effective for children with asthma than using inhaled medications.
- IV vitamin C for cancer: Some healthcare providers administer high doses of vitamin C to cancer patients, although the effectiveness of this treatment remains under study.
How Does the Therapy Work?
The typical IV therapy procedure involves the following steps:
A healthcare provider selects a suitable vein, usually in the forearm, wrist, back of the hand, or top of the foot. If the vein is difficult to locate, an ultrasound may be used to guide the insertion of the needle.
After finding the vein, the area is sanitized, and a thin needle is inserted into the vein. The needle is attached to a cannula, which is secured in place with adhesive tape and that gets connected to the IV tubing once the cannula is positioned appropriately.
During the procedure, the cannula is monitored by healthcare professionals to see whether the IV is working correctly and that the patient experiences no discomfort or swelling. Once the process of IV is complete, the cannula is first disconnected before the needle can be removed followed by a pressure that’s applied to the insertion site, and the area is bandaged.
For treatments that require ongoing IV access, the cannula can remain in place for future use.
Why Opt for IV Therapy Treatment?
The benefits of IV therapy are significant in healthcare settings. Its speed allows for rapid absorption of fluids, medications, and nutrients, which is especially critical during emergencies like dehydration. The efficiency of IV therapy stems from its ability to bypass the digestive system, ensuring that essential fluids are delivered directly to the organs that need them most. Additionally, it offers convenience—once the cannula is in place, it can remain for several days, enabling repeated treatments without the need for multiple needle insertions. This makes IV therapy a practical and efficient solution for many medical needs.
IV Vitamin Therapy Outside the Medical Sphere
While there is limited evidence supporting the benefits of IV vitamin therapy outside of medical settings, it is commonly used in hospitals for treating patients with serious health conditions. A 2020 study concluded that there is insufficient research to recommend IV vitamin therapy for general use, suggesting that more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?
While IV therapy may be opted as a safe and effective procedure, there are still some potential side effects patients need to be aware of. These may include damage to blood vessels, bleeding at the insertion site, swelling or bruising around the cannula, and inflammation of the veins, particularly if the IV is left in place for an extended period.
In terms of risks and complications, research indicates that patients may experience allergic reactions to the adhesive tape securing the IV. Other potential issues include hematoma, which is swelling caused by clotted blood under the skin, the formation of blood clots, cellulitis (a deep skin infection), skin necrosis (tissue death), and abscess formation. It’s essential to monitor for these complications, particularly during longer-term IV therapy.
These risks tend to increase if the IV is left in place for three or more days. For this reason, it’s important to have IV therapy administered by trained professionals in a medical setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IV therapy be done at home?
While some services offer at-home IV vitamin therapy, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved. IV therapy is safest when done under the supervision of a trained medical professional in a clinical setting. Always consult with a healthcare provider before scheduling an at-home IV procedure.
How long does it stay in your system?
IV fluids and medications generally take effect more quickly than those ingested orally, but how long they stay in your system varies from person to person. The body will naturally eliminate these fluids over time through the digestive and urinary systems.
As you can tell, IV therapy is a highly effective method for delivering fluids, medications, blood products, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream. By bypassing the digestive system, it allows for faster absorption and quicker treatment results. While it offers numerous benefits in medical settings, IV therapy should always be administered by trained healthcare professionals to minimize the risks of complications.
At Pakenham Medical Clinic, we can help patients with their IV procedure with care and comfort. Reach out to our team to learn more or book an appointment.
