According to the CDC, as many as one-third of all hospitalized patients in the United States receive intravenous (IV) therapy. Around 70 percent to 90 percent of patients receive IV therapy during their illness. San Diego County, California, has 45 hospitals servicing a population of 3,283,665 people in an area of 4,206 square miles. This is an average of 1 hospital per 73,187 people or one hospital for every 18 square miles. If you are one of the many people who may need IV therapy San Diego, it is essential to understand it and why it may be prescribed.
No matter the reason you receive therapy, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals of the treatment to be an active participant in your care. This guide will teach you all about this therapy, from the basics of how it works to potential side effects.
What is IV Therapy?
According to healthline.com, Dr. John Myers created and gave the first IV vitamin drips in the 1970s. The IV catheter is inserted into a vein in your arm and threaded through to the larger veins near your heart. Once the catheter is in place, fluids, medications, or nutrients can be administered as needed.
The cost of IV therapy in San Diego can vary depending on the hospital or clinic you visit. Medicare and most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of therapy, but it is always better to check with your provider beforehand. The most common IV packages in San Diego range from $199 to $399.
Common reasons for receiving IV therapy include
- To treat dehydration
- To deliver medications or nutrients that can’t be taken by mouth
- To provide nutrition
- To treat migraines
- To treat hangovers
- To boost immunity
IV therapy is used for various medical and wellness purposes.
Medical Reasons
The following are the most prevalent medical reasons for which patients seek IV therapy:
- Nauseous or vomiting
- Unable to eat or drink
- Suffering from diarrhea
- Experiencing kidney failure
- Experiencing an allergic reaction
- Undergoing chemotherapy
Wellness Reasons
In a study by Dr. John Myers, it was found that vitamin C levels in the body increased by 1,000 percent after just one infusion. This has led to IV therapy becoming a popular treatment for boosting the immune system.
Boost Energy Levels: It can help you feel more energetic by directly delivering essential nutrients to your bloodstream, such as B-12 and magnesium.
Detoxify the Body: Some people use therapy as a way to detoxify their bodies. This typically involves infusions of vitamins and minerals that help to flush toxins from the body.
Improve Skin Health: You can use the therapy to improve your skin health by infusing vitamins and antioxidants that help repair damage and promote collagen production.
Reduce Stress: This treatment can help reduce stress by delivering calming minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, directly to your bloodstream.
Improve Sleep: Professionals often recommend this therapy to improve sleep quality by delivering magnesium and other minerals that help relax the body and promote restful sleep.
Potential Side Effects
Like any other medical treatment, this therapy can cause the following side effects.
- Pain or discomfort
- Inflammation or bruising
- Infection
- Blood clotting
- Air bubbles in the blood
- Allergic reaction
These adverse effects are often minor and resolve on their own. However, if you experience any severe side effects while receiving IV therapy, such as breath shortness, chest pain, or swelling. In that case, it is advisable to visit professional medical care in San Diego.
If you’re considering this treatment for medical or wellness reasons, discuss your concerns with a qualified professional for a better understanding.