What is IV Therapy? Definition, Benefits, Types
IV therapy is a type of delivery method for medication and fluids. The word IV stands for Intravenous which means you have to administer it through the body veins. The liquid consists of medicines, minerals, and vitamins delivered through an IV injection or drip into the veins. It will allow the fluid to move quickly through the bloodstream. Most of the time, IV therapies are administered by a nurse or a healthcare professional for several reasons, ranging from medical emergencies to dehydration.
IV therapy also allows the doctors to address the symptoms related to different conditions like the flu, colds, hangovers, or morning sickness. It is the fastest way to deliver all the required nutrients to the body as it goes directly to all the organs. It results in 90 to 100% of the nutrient absorption rate, compared to the 20 to 50% orally. Thus if you want to know more about the different types, benefits, and centers for IV therapies near me, then this write-up is perfect for you.
Different Types of IV Therapy
There are primarily two different types of IV therapy which are IV drip and IV push. The difference between these two methods lies in the treatment duration and the fluid amount you require to inject into the veins. Both of these treatments allow nearly 90 to 100% of mineral and vitamin absorption.
- IV Drip
An IV drip is an intravenous treatment that slowly gets infused into the blood through a plastic catheter, by inserting it into the vein. The nurse pushes the catheter by implementing a needle, which he/she immediately removes once the plastic tube reaches the vein. These drips are performed for nearly 45 to 60 minutes. In every session, almost 250 to 1000 ml of fluids enter the body. During this process, the patients can sleep, relax, listen to music or read a book.
- IV Push
In the IV push process, the liquid slowly enters the vein through a plastic catheter, which is already present previously. IV pushes are usually performed for 15 to 20 minutes, and 30 to 60 ml fluids enter the veins during this tenure. Due to the nature of this method, therapists who are trained for this job always monitor the IV pushes.
How does IV Therapy Operate?
A nurse or a healthcare professional will first disinfect the area and insert it directly inside the vein. Most of the IVs are placed in the arm, but they can be present anywhere. Once the IV goes into the vein, the nurse will check for the pump to ensure that the delivery rate is perfect. A healthcare professional can administer the IV therapy through an electronic or manual pump. The fluid will then starts dripping through the catheter and enter the body. The blood will then absorb the liquid. During the process, you are required to be in one position not to dislocate the catheter.
Benefits of IV Therapy
Different people can get benefit from IV therapy for various reasons. They are as follows.
• Hangover relief
An IV therapy can give immense relief to people having acute hangover by rehydrating the body. Vitamin will enhance energy levels, and medicines will decrease the painful nausea symptoms, headache, and heartburn.
• Recovery from Athletic Performance
IV therapy helps the athletes to recover from the exertion period. It includes various components that will support the sportsperson during the recovery time. Fluids, amino acids, and antioxidants help to enhance energy levels and repair any damaged tissue.
• Support for Immune System
IV therapy supporting the immune system consists of minerals and vitamins. It boosts the immune system and reduces any further chances of catching any bacteria or virus.
• Relief from Cold and Flu
IV therapy helps a person suffering from cold and flu to remain hydrated. It consists of the required minerals and vitamins to support the immune system and do the required job. The anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory medicines will also give relief to the patients against the uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu, like fever, body aches, headache, and coughing.