In decades past, the only reason people got IV therapy at home was because they had been sent home from the hospital with intravenous lines for medication delivery. That’s all changed in recent years, though. Now, home IV therapy is a relatively commonplace occurrence.
These days, it’s not just hospital and home-care patients that get IV therapy. Plenty of otherwise healthy people use at home iv therapy to improve their overall health and wellness. Anyone interested in doing the same can read on to find out about 10 key takeaways.
- IV Therapy Isn’t Just for Medications
Although plenty of medications can indeed be administered intravenously, IV therapy isn’t just for prescription drugs. People can also get treatments that utilize saline solutions, vitamins, and nutrients to target specific issues or improve overall health and wellness.
IV therapy can be very beneficial for people who are struggling with acute illnesses such as colds, flu, or stomach bugs that make it difficult to absorb nutrients naturally through the lining of the gut. Healthy people who are struggling with killer hangovers also find that simple saline and electrolyte solutions can go a long way toward aiding their recoveries without the need for prescription medications.
- IVs Must Be Placed By Licensed Healthcare Professionals
The fact that IV therapy can now be administered at home doesn’t mean just anyone can do it. The lines should still be placed by licensed healthcare professionals. In most cases, that means a nurse working for a drip spa or mobile IV clinic will arrive with all of the necessary equipment to perform home infusions.
Some companies advertise DIY IV therapy solutions online. Don’t trust them. Improperly administered IVs can create potentially life-threatening complications and leave patients hospitalized. Home IV services are much more affordable than giant medical bills and lost wages from serious health complications.
- Every Situation Is Different
While the process of placing an IV line is always more or less the same, the infusion solutions vary depending on each patient’s needs. Basic hydration mixes usually contain saline solutions with electrolytes. Athletic performance mixes might also contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
The amount of time it takes to administer a home IV solution can also vary. Some people only need 15 minutes to complete their infusions. Others need 90 minutes or more. Trust the advice of the trained nurses.
- There Are Some Potential Side Effects
Every medical treatment has potential side effects. IV therapy can irritate tissues surrounding the infusion site or lead to temporary swelling of the veins. These problems are most common when the lines are placed improperly, which can lead fluid to accumulate in tissues instead of being introduced directly into the veins.
Allergic reactions and other serious side effects are very rare when IVs are administered by trained healthcare professionals. However, potentially serious complications can occur when people try to insert their own IV lines. Those complications can include everything from blood clots to air embolisms.
- Home IV Therapy Maximizes Convenience
Not everyone has time to visit IV spas or drip bars. Scheduling at-home sessions offers maximum convenience and avoids time wasted sitting in traffic. Given that many of the people who seek out IV therapy have busy, stressful lives with full schedules, home infusions may offer the perfect solution.
- IV Therapy Provides Fast Relief
One of the best things about IV therapy, no matter where it’s administered, is that it provides fast and effective relief. Whether people want help getting over migraines, dealing with hangovers, or feeling better after a long, stressful day, IV infusions work faster than oral medications.
In most cases, IV therapy takes just 15 to 90 minutes to complete. Some patients report noticing effects almost immediately, but it generally takes a few hours for the infusion to reach maximum effectiveness. Depending on the mix, the effects could last anywhere from four days to two weeks.
- Highly Personalized Treatments Are Available
Most home IV infusion companies offer a variety of nutrient cocktails. Some even include NSAIDs and steroidal anti-inflammatories. Choosing a reputable mobile IV company means that patients will get highly personalized treatments that target their unique problems or body compositions. Depending on a patient’s needs, the products included in IV infusions can include:
- Saline
- Vitamin B 12
- NAD+ (Vitamin B3)
- Glutathione
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Taurine
- Lysine
- Biotin
- Anti-histamines
- Anti-nausea medicine
- NSAIDs
And other substances
Keep in mind that these mixes must be not just administered properly but also developed by a trained medical professional. The best way to get the perfect home IV infusion mix is for a patient to describe their specific needs to a doctor or nurse who can help determine which substances will be most effective and in what quantities.
- IV Therapy Has Wellness Benefits, Too
IV therapy isn’t just for treating problems. There are also wellness benefits. The right mix can improve not just hydration but also sleep, stress, anxiety, and even muscle recovery.
When performed by trained medical personnel, IV therapy can be an excellent addition to health-conscious people’s regular wellness routines. They just need to keep in mind that vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and fluids must be administered in controlled amounts to maximize benefits and minimize the risk of side effects. That’s why people who want to incorporate home infusion therapy into their wellness routines should never try to administer any form of IV therapy without professional medical help.
- Athletes Love IV Therapy
Athletes can benefit more than most from home IV therapy. Some mixes support muscle health and recovery, optimize energy levels, and enhance performance in any sport.
- IV Therapy Can Support a Healthy Pregnancy
Many pregnant women assume that they can’t get IV therapy. In fact, home IV therapy can support a healthy pregnancy by ensuring proper hydration, maximizing the availability of vitamins and minerals, and relieving morning sickness. Research shows that professionally administered IV therapy won’t pose a risk to the growing fetus.
Find a Reputable In-Home IV Service
Don’t settle for just any mobile IV clinic. Do some research and find a reputable in-home IV service that offers a variety of nutrient mixes tailored to the needs of each patient.
