John VorhausIntravenous or IV therapy has several uses in the integrative medicine in Los Angeles; this is a faster way of introducing medications or fluids to the body. The vein used for the therapy will decide which IV system is used. For example, a peripheral line will be chosen for peripheral veins. IV therapy offers better control when administering the necessary treatment and the number of uses makes it one of the most versatile choices out there. It can be done as an inpatient at the hospital, outpatient or at home with trained professionals and is safe for most infants, children and adults.
IV Therapy Comes In Many Forms
The many types of IV therapies out there give doctors solutions to a range of conditions. Fluids can be added through IV therapy, the lack of which is a major health concern when the body is not hydrated properly. Normal saline is one of the most widely used fluids for an IV, with two different solutions which are categorized by percent of saline. For people with blood loss, lactated ringers is the choice, this is used for those suffering from some type of trauma. Dextrose in water provides water for the kidneys, but can be a part of other treatment plans.
Medications sometimes need to be given through an IV. A common reason for this method is for those people who have a disease that is not well treated by oral medication; sometimes there are issues with digestion that make it better to use IV therapy. Some of the conditions treated are infections and cancer, with chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer administered by this selection. It takes many therapy sessions over a certain period of time to see any results from the treatment. Pain is another condition under control with this type of IV therapy. Medications like lidocaine, clonidine and magnesium all provide results.
Issues with the blood often feature treatment plans including IV therapies. When there is a loss of blood, a transfusion can be the difference between life and death. There are conditions that also require blood transfusions, those with sickle cell anemia often need them to help with the pain of their disease. The reasons related to blood don’t just stop there, people with hemophilia require help with clotting and someone having surgery may need blood.
IV therapy for nutrition may be better for those in need of a nutritional boost. Illness can cause the body to be depleted of nutrients. Many hospitals use this to help patients recover faster. Parenteral nutrition gives a person who has a feeding tube get the nutrients they need. Protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals can be given by this method.
Equipment for IVs
There is certain equipment used among these procedures. First, there is a pre-filled bottle or bag that holds the fluids. Tubing let’s the liquids flow to the patient and this particular flow can be controlled to make sure they get the correct amount over time. A y-set will allow any additional medications to be added as needed. A needle is pushed into the vein allowing fluids to reach the body in a rapid or slow stream based on dosage requirements. An infusion pump will help with control of the fluids or medications.
Every patient can benefit from IV therapy. The choice to include it depends on many factors, most of which are dictated by the doctor. Always talk about these options and more before making the decision to include this treatment.