There are a number of reasons why someone may be dehydrated. They may have pushed it too hard in a recent training session, they may be recovering from a number of illnesses, they may have had too much to eat and drink leading to their system feeling a little off, or they may have gotten behind on drinking their glasses of water each day and are starting to feel a little worse for the wear. Some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and frequent urination. Our team at Integrity Urgent Care can help you if you are feeling dehydrated because of illness and treat the issue causing your fatigue, but what about the extra help of hydration IVs?
What Are They?
A hydration IV provides fluids intravenously, through a catheter placed directly into the bloodstream. This IV gives not only fluids but can be supplemented with vitamins and minerals depending on what your body needs. Hydration IVs are very common in hospital and medical settings to make sure patients stay hydrated and provide the ability to administer extra nutrients to the body. In theory, hydration IVs give a direct boost to the body as they bypass the digestive system which can take extra time and can strip away some of these benefits for storage.
How Beneficial Are They?
There is no replacement for drinking water continuously and drinking more water while working out, spending time in extreme heat, and when needing to replace fluids while sick. While regular water is the easiest source, you can also supplement your water intake with certain vegetables and fruits, broth-based soups, and the occasional sports drink. If you are commonly feeling dehydrated, you need to see one of our physicians or see your general practitioner, there may be a larger concern that we should evaluate. Anytime you introduce a needle into the bloodstream, there could be a risk of infection, so you want to make sure a trained professional is helping you with all of your health needs, hydration or not.
When Should I Come In to See a Doctor?
If your dehydration is to the point where you are experiencing confusion, passing out, or if your child has sunken eyes or a soft spot, you should come in so our medical team can get you the help you need right away. This will probably include helping you get rehydrated, but you will need to be monitored to make sure additional issues don’t arise. Additionally, if your dehydration is due to vomiting or diarrhea that is unresolved and has occurred for more than 24 hours, you should come in to see our team so we can rule out certain viruses that may need extra treatment. It is vital to stay as hydrated as possible under the best circumstances, but sometimes you need a little extra help.
If you are in need of help, from dehydration and overheating from a long run or a stomach bug that you cannot shake, come see our team at Integrity Urgent Care. We have a number of clinics across the state that are equipped with friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you feel better soon. Find a clinic near you today.
