Drop of water going into the water

How to calculate the appropriate IV fluid amount for your needs 

While many of us know how many fluids we need to drink to stay hydrated, most of us are not aware of how IV fluids are calculated. While some places encourage you to make your own IV, this is not advised and can cause infection or other medical issues. The primary purpose of fluids is to hydrate your body when it may be dehydrated. This can be due to medical concerns, intense exercise, hangovers, and more. While you should not make or administer your IV fluids, it is crucial to calculate the amount of iv fluid you may need.

How are fluids calculated?

Those in the medical field calculate how many fluids you need to recover from a variety of factors. Things that contribute to this are your weight, other medications, medical ailments, and other potential individual factors. Drop rates are set on your IVs to regulate how often and at what intervals you should be receiving your medication or fluids. For instance, one standard rate is 20 drops per ml. These are calculated by medical professionals, who must consider how long your drip will last and when it will need to be changed to prevent any gaps in your treatment.

Are there risks?

Hypervolemia is when your body has too much fluid or is retaining too much water for your body. With this condition, you will likely exhibit some swelling, heart issues, or high blood pressure. This is more common in those who have problems with their kidneys, as they filter our bodily fluids and may not function correctly. Other signs of hypervolemia include cramping, shortness of breath, and increased weight gain. Hypervolemia can also be caused by congestive heart failure, liver failure, hormone changes, and too many fluids via IV. While this may sound dangerous or intimidating, when a medical professional is the one to calculate the amount of iv fluid, it is a safe and common practice.

How to get fluids

There are two main ways that you can get IV fluids at a medical practice. You can get the IV fluids through manual regulation or an electric pump. Manual regulation is done by your health practitioner, who physically changes the flow and pressure on your fluids and adjusts them as needed. With an electric pump, the fluid and flow are regulated on the program or machine. Both need to be checked often to ensure there are no complications, such as tubes being caught or fluids stopping. You can get an IV at most medical practices and hospitals. Drip Hydration also has IV fluid options that allow you to receive treatments at home.

Types of fluids

The fantastic benefit of using IVs for fluids is the rapid rate you can receive what your body may be lacking. Some of the most common ingredients in IV drips include salt, sugar, electrolytes, vitamins, and medications. Saline solutions help regulate your hydration levels, and sugar can help manage infections and blood sugar levels. Electrolytes also assist with hydration. Vitamins hold various purposes, from increasing energy levels to help repair your cells when trying to fight infections. Medications are usually administered at the hospital and may be given when other oral medications are not as effective. Since each person is different, DIY treatments are NOT recommended, as they can cause infections or over-hydration. IV fluids are an excellent option for feeling well. However, let a medical professional calculate the amount of iv fluid and any other needs specific to your ailments.

Treatment options

Drip Hydration offers in-home IV treatments that can help with a variety of ailments. These do not require you to go to a medical facility and be scheduled by an easy appointment. These are completed by a medical professional and allow you to remain home and comfortable, especially if you are getting the treatment due to feeling ill. A wide variety of IV fluids are available, for example:

– Dehydration treatment: an excellent option for those who find themselves lacking fluids due to illness, exercise, medications, or hangovers.

– Energy Boost treatments: Includes a plethora of vitamins to help you feel more awake and alert, such as B12 and C.

– Beauty: focuses on the best mix of vitamins and antioxidants to help you improve your facial complexion, detox your body, and rejuvenate the skin.

There are many other treatment options that are available for specific needs, such as immune boosters, weight loss, and brain health. Call Drip Hydration today to ask any questions or discuss what option may be best for your needs.

In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration

Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.

You can either browse our treatment options and decide which is best for you or speak to a representative who can help you choose what you need based on your health goals. To schedule your appointment or learn more, contact us today!