What is Intravenous Therapy?
Intravenous therapy, also known as IV therapy or infusion therapy, is a system involving injecting liquid substances directly into a vein. A needle is placed directly into a vein. The needle is connected to tubing, which is connected to a bag containing liquid medication, fluids, and other substances. It’s known as a drip system, and it
offers the fastest route to deliver medications, nutrients, fluids, vitamins, and other liquids.
Intravenous therapy is used to deliver a variety of liquid substances including:
- Antibiotics to treat infection and eliminate bacteria
- Anti-inflammatories to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer and to shrink tumors
- Fluids and electrolytes to replenish fluids and treat dehydration
- Blood transfusions to replace blood loss due to an illness, accident, or medical condition
- Pain medication to treat acute pain due to injury, accident, or other causes
Another popular use of intravenous therapy is to deliver nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and supplements to help boost the immune system, increase energy levels, and help people feel better. This type of IV therapy is increasingly being used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
An example of this type of IV solution is known as the Myers’ cocktail. It contains magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, and B vitamins. It is understood that this type of IV therapy provides faster and better absorption of the nutrients than taking the nutrients in pill form.
Intravenous therapy is beneficial for people who have difficulty swallowing medication in pill form, people who are incapacitated, or dealing with nausea. IV therapy allows for faster treatment with less expense because there is typically no hospital stay involved. IV therapy is typically delivered in an outpatient setting.
Intravenous therapy is an important way to deliver medications, fluids, nutrients, and other liquids to keep your body functioning well. IV therapy is of great benefit to people suffering from acute or chronic illnesses and people who want to feel their best.