Dealing with a Cancer Diagnosis

3 Things To Know Before Your Upcoming IV Hydration Treatment

by For Content

IV hydration therapy is a simple procedure that can help revitalize the body whether you're recovering from an illness or just trying to improve your health overall. Here are a few things you should know before your treatment day.

Two Common Types of Hydration Solutions You May Receive

Multiple types of IV fluid formulas could be used for your hydration treatment, so it's a good idea to find out exactly what you'll be getting beforehand just so you know what to expect. The most common type of IV fluid used for hydration therapy is a crystalloid solution which contains tiny molecules like saline, and dextrose.

Crystalloid solutions can also be made up of lactated Ringer's, which includes calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium, and lactate, and is used to quickly and aggressively replace fluids in the body. Another type of solution that might be used is colloids which contain larger molecules like albumin that stick around in the blood vessels for less aggressive hydration.

What to Do and Expect the Day of Your IV Hydration Treatment

IV hydration treatments are outpatient procedures, so you won't have to worry about spending the night at the clinic or hospital unless you experience a rare side effect which will be discussed more below. It is important to drink lots of water and eat a healthy meal in the morning to help ensure that you don't get nauseous during the treatment. You may even want to snack on a granola bar or piece of fruit a few minutes before your treatment starts.

Consider engaging in meditation before your IV hydration treatment too. Doing so can increase the body's production of nitric oxide, a compound that helps to open the blood vessels up and lower blood pressure. This can be helpful when the IV fluids are being transported through your bloodstream. Meditation will help you relax so you're more comfortable during your treatment, too.

Some Rare Yet Possible Side Effects of IV Hydration Therapy

While IV hydration therapy is generally safe and simple, and most people feel better soon after their treatments, there is a small chance of developing a rare complication due to the procedure such as:

  • A Collapsed Vein
  • Hematoma
  • An Air Embolism
  • Fluid Overload
  • Injection Site Infection
  • Phlebitis

It is important to keep in mind that most people do not experience any of these problems after their IV hydration treatments. However, mild reactions such as redness and/or itching at the injection site might develop for a short period of time before resolving themselves.  

Schedule a consultation appointment with a local clinic, such as Minnesota IV Hydration and Wellness LLC, today to learn more about the process and to schedule an appointment for your first treatment.

Share