Intravenous Fluids: Know How Does It Help Addressing Health Issues

Intravenous (IV) fluids are specially prepared liquids administered by injecting into the vein as a part of treatment to address various symptoms and medical conditions. People of all ages who are ill, injured, dehydrated, or having surgery can receive them.

What are IV Fluids?

How Do IV Fluids Help Addressing Health Issues?

Types of Intravenous Fluids

Crystalloids Intravenous Fluids

• Hypotonic Fluids : These solutions include fewer solutes than plasma. Hypotonic solutions are utilized when intracellular fluids need to be replaced, and cells become dehydrated.
• Hypertonic Fluids : They are more concentrated than plasma and induce fluids to transfer from the cells to the extracellular compartments. Hypertonic treatments are utilized when treating acute sodium deficits in the body.
• Isotonic Fluids: The solute content of these solutions is identical to that of blood plasma. They enlarge the intracellular and extracellular fluid gaps. Isotonic solutions are the most common fluids used in IV treatment.

Colloids Intravenous Fluids

• Albumin 2.5%
• Albumin 5%
• Low-molecular-weight dextran
• High-molecular-weight dextran
• Hetastarch
• Hispanic

The Most Commonly Used IV Fluids

• Normal saline is the most common isotonic solution, containing 0.9% NaCl. It's a comprehensive rehydrating material that works effectively for various health issues, including dehydration and sodium loss brought on by diseases.
• Half-normal Saline: It is a hypotonic solution containing 0.5% NaCl, which helps rehydrate patients who cannot take oral liquids because of sickness or other issues.
• Lactated Ringer’s: The main component of this solution is lactate, but it also contains sodium chloride, potassium, and calcium. It is very effective for diseases that result in elevated acid levels in the body and dehydration.
• Dextrose 5% in water : It functions as an isotonic solution when administered and later becomes hypotonic when the dextrose is absorbed. It can be helpful for patients suffering from low blood sugar levels.

The Use of Intravenous Fluids

• Treatment of an infection by administering antibiotics following dehydration symptoms resulting from a disease.

• Chemotherapy treatments for cancer employ an IV process to apply particular medications to the body.

• Someone experiencing diarrhea and vomiting can be given IV therapy to replenish liquids.

• It is given in cases of fluid loss due to excessive physical activity or extended sun exposure.

• If someone has burns or a severe wound, an IV process may be required.

• These fluids are administered as an after-surgery treatment, mainly when the patient is not eating or drinking for a long time.

Complications Related to Intravenous Fluids

• Vein collapse : In certain cases, a vein may collapse during needle insertion or prolonged use. Your healthcare professional will attempt to use a different vein if this occurs.
• Fluid overload : It happens if an excessive amount of fluid is administered quickly, causing breathing difficulties, elevated blood pressure, and headaches.
• Air embolism : If too much air gets into the vein during IV therapy, it can cause an air embolism. Although rare, it can have fatal results, among other adverse effects.
• Hematoma: It is the result of blood seeping into the surrounding tissues from a blood vessel. It appears to be a bruise that can typically fade within a few weeks.
• Infection: An infection could develop if the region where the needle is introduced isn't clean. Antibiotics are typically used to treat infections.
• Infiltration: Fluids may seep into the tissues surrounding the vein if the needle moves or becomes displaced.
• Phlebitis is the swelling in the vein, which is one of the most common after-effects. It is typically managed using a warm compress after removing the IV needle.