Is IV Therapy Safe?
Do you want a quick recovery from a late night’s party hangover or long-distance flight jet lag?
Do you want an instant boost with your energy levels or improve the defenses of your immune system?
IV therapy is a steadily rising health and wellness innovation trend among many people. It is no longer limited in the medical community, where patients require an infusion of medications, replacement of lost fluids, or blood transfusion. This staple in the medical setting has made its way to luxury and standard treatments that provide heaps of benefits.
What is There to Know About IV Therapy?
Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is simply the process of infusing intravenous solutions, medicines, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, blood, or blood products directly into the bloodstream.
It makes use of a drip, which is a plastic bag containing the liquid to be infused. The liquid will travel through a connecting tube that transfers through a plastic catheter. The catheter is a medical device inserted right into the vein of the patient or client.
Since clinics, hospitals, or other medical communities with doctors or registered nurses present utilize IV treatment for patients, it helps get the blood, fluid, medication, and nutrients in the body fast and effectively.
However, Hollywood celebrities like Adele, Brad Pitt, Madonna, and Rihanna have acclaimed the incredible benefits of getting drips and paraded them on social media.
Concerns from the medical world have arisen as IV bars, lounges, and spas popped everywhere, promising splendid benefits. There is sparse regulation in policing unregulated IV therapies; hence, whether it is safe arises.
Is IV Therapy Truly Safe?
The question greatly depends on your present health condition and who and where you are getting your IV therapy. It is highly prudent to have a creditable professional doctor or registered nurse administer the drip. These professionals have long known the guidelines of safe infusion and the skill to do the job. Moreover, medical professionals abide by the Latin phrase “Primum non Nocere,” which the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, stated. “First, do no harm.” In a sense, it is morally crucial not to do something or do nothing at the expense of the patient’s safety.
Another thing to consider is the patient or client’s medical history. The medical history includes even the past medical history and the current medications being taken. It is essential always to inform the IV therapist or administrator if you have any pre-existing medical account or ongoing medications. Everything should be disclosed, even over-the-counter treatments. Opening up about your medical history helps the therapist or administrator determine if it is safe to get an IV therapy or how much of the drip is safe for your current health condition. You may also consult with your attending doctor about getting IV therapy before booking an appointment. Even pregnant women or breastfeeding moms must consult first before jumping the gun.
What are the Potential Risks of IV Therapy?
Apparent concerns about IV therapy are valid, especially if you will delve into the procedure. As the proverb states, “It is always better to be safe than sorry.” It is best to know what drawbacks come with them to help you decide better.
1. It may cause complications on the injection site.
Intravenous injections and infusions may cause complications regardless of who is administering them. You may experience bleeding, bruising, discomfort, infection, inflammation, irritation, pain as hollow needles are invasive and may risk infection. However, it significantly differs from person to person, and a person may experience it slightly as it is bound to happen.
This situation calls for a professional to come in. A licensed doctor or RN can intravenously administer the solutions into your body safely and carefully. It has also been proven that treatment is better and more effective when done by them.
2. It may cause an imbalance or overload.
As quoted by Mark Twain, “Too much of anything is bad.” If the therapist and administrator are not attentive to the infusion level of the solutions, it may lead to an electrolyte imbalance or overload of fluid and vitamin levels. This situation may lead to the probable damage of the kidney, emergence of heart failure, or swelling of the brain. Worst, a person who has pre-existing conditions may suffer from malabsorption.
It is best to deliberate with a professional and check everything in the medical history to decide if IV therapy is good. Having a good understanding of your history will aid in the regulation of fluid and vitamin levels to be mixed in your bag.
What is the Takeaway?
Whether IV therapy is safe or risky depends entirely on your health status and the administrator. Have your physician or doctor review your complete medical history to ascertain if it works for you. Not only that, they can help in managing the rates of your intravenous solutions and times of taking them. Remember that what you see from others, celebrities, or social media is the tip of the iceberg only. Be sure to tailor your IV therapy for your needs.
