Intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most popular treatments available for various health conditions, especially chronic health conditions. Given its convenience and the fact that it may be administered on an outpatient basis, IV therapy is becoming more and more in demand every day.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential to understand what it entails and how long it takes to administer. In this article, we will discuss IV therapy, its uses, and how long it lasts.
What is IV Therapy?
IV therapy is a treatment where a nurse or doctor uses a needle to insert a tube into your vein. This tube, also known as an IV, allows them to give you fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into your bloodstream.
This method ensures that the treatment is absorbed quickly and efficiently, making it an effective way to administer various types of therapies.
IV therapy, short for intravenous therapy, offers several advantages that can contribute to improved health and wellness. Here are some key benefits:
- Fast Absorption: Since IV therapy delivers nutrients or medication directly into the bloodstream, it bypasses the digestive system. This allows for quicker and more efficient absorption.
- High Concentration Delivery: IV therapy enables the delivery of a high concentration of nutrients or medication, which could be hard to achieve through oral administration.
- Immediate Relief: In cases where immediate relief is needed, such as severe symptoms of chronic health conditions, IV therapy can provide rapid results.
Common Health Conditions Treated with IV Therapy
Intravenous therapy can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions that don’t respond well to medications or other therapies. Examples include:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where the life cycle of skin cells speeds up, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form red patches and scales that can be itchy and sometimes painful.
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that can also affect the nails and joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can affect those suffering from psoriasis. This condition causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
It can affect any part of the body, including the fingertips and spine, and its severity can vary from relatively mild to severe.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It affects the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly, and can lead to life-threatening complications.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, including those in the hands and feet.
It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues, causing swollen and tender joints. Over time, it can cause joint deformity and bone erosion.
How Long Does IV Therapy Last?
The duration of IV therapy varies depending on the patient’s condition and the type of medication being infused. On average, IV therapy will last between 30 minutes to three hours. For some patients, it may take up to six hours to complete the infusion.
Typically, the length of time for the infusion will be determined by the amount of medication the patient will receive and how fast it is to be infused.
The type of medication delivered through IV therapy can also affect how long the therapy lasts. Some medications, such as infliximab may only require a 2-hour infusion. However, other medications, such as chemotherapy, may be infused over several hours, depending on the dosage and the patient’s body weight.
Factors such as the patient’s age, weight, overall health status, and the body’s ability to metabolize medications can also influence the duration of IV therapy.
A patient’s liver or kidney function can also play a crucial role in how long an infusion will last. Suppose a patient has impaired liver or kidney function. In that case, IV therapy may take longer to complete and may require more frequent monitoring of vital signs and blood levels to ensure safe medication infusion.
The duration of IV therapy is also affected by the infusion rate. The rate of infusion will depend on the type of medication and the patient’s condition. If the medication is too concentrated or infused too quickly, this can cause harm to the patient. On the other hand, an infusion rate that is too slow may extend the duration of the therapy unnecessarily.
IV Therapy Near Me in Atlanta, GA
At GI Care Infusion, we are dedicated to providing top-quality infusion therapy in a comfortable environment. Our team of experienced nurses and physicians is committed to making your infusion experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
To make an appointment with us, call today at (470) 785-4616 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
