IV fluids are medically-formulated liquids injected into your veins to treat or prevent dehydration. These fluids are used in people of all ages who are injured, sick, undergoing surgery, or dehydrated from heat or exercise. Intravenous rehydration is a simple, safe, and popular medical procedure with a low risk of health complications. IV fluids are injected into the veins through an intravenous tube to help treat electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Water is essential to every cell in our bodies; when our bodies lack adequate water, it can lead to serious health problems. In this article, we will advise you on why you should have your IV hydration procedures at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care.
What Fluids and Vitamins Are in an IV Bag?
Generally, the fluids inside an IV bag usually depend on the type of therapy that is being performed. Intravenous fluids contain vitamins, saline, minerals, and other medications. Below are some of the common components of IV bags:
- Saline. Saline solution, which mainly comprises sodium chlorides and water, is usually the main ingredient in an IV bag. The saline solution acts as the delivery system for the other ingredients of your IV therapy.
- Vitamin B. An IV bag contains Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-9, and B-12, collectively known as the Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex is offered via IV therapy to boost your nerve function and metabolism.
- Dextrose. A dextrose is a form of sugar harmful to your body, unlike some of your favorite sweet desserts. It helps regulate your blood sugar by converting dextrose into energy.
- Calcium. An IV bag may contain calcium, an essential mineral that helps build strong teeth and bones. It can supplement low-calcium diets or treat hypoparathyroidism and acute hypocalcemia.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is critical for a healthy immune system function that is beneficial in your IV therapy. It also helps your body fight diseases.
- Lactated Ringer’s. Lactated Ringer’s contains calcium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride, water, and sodium chloride, which is extremely beneficial in treating dehydration and surgical procedures.
- Antioxidants. Antioxidants help our body cells become immune to different diseases. An IV bag may contain different antioxidants, such as glutathione, or vitamins A, E, or C.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics are only included in an IV bag if the patient has a bacterial skin infection, Lyme disease, gastrointestinal infection, respiratory infection, and meningitis.
- Magnesium. Magnesium is accompanied by plenty of health benefits that include; treating leg cramps among pregnant women, preventing migraines, and reducing inflammation.
What happens during rehydration with IV fluids?
During your IV hydration procedure, your healthcare provider will first determine; the type of IV fluid you need, the amount of IV fluid you need, and how quickly your body needs it. However, this is based on several factors, including age, weight, and medical conditions. Your practitioner will then disinfect the skin where the IV will be injected, usually on the top of the hand or inside the elbow.
To make blood fill your veins and for the doctor to easily find the injection site, they will tie an elastic band around your arm. They will then carefully insert a sterile needle into your vein with a small plastic tube at the other end. Your doctor will place a small plastic attachment onto the tube, attach it to a longer tube, tape the IV needles to your arm so that it remains in place, and attach them to the IV fluid bag. They will then turn on a machine that will pump the fluid into your veins.
