IV Fluids for Dehydration: How Solutions Rehydrate You
Medically reviewed by Amelia MacIntyre, DOMedically reviewed by Amelia MacIntyre, DOHealthcare providers administer intravenous (IV) fluids for dehydration to people with severe related symptoms. Everyone gets dehydrated from time to time, but when dehydration is severe, it can have dangerous consequences.If you are severely dehydrated and unable to drink fluids or consume enough to achieve rehydration, a healthcare provider may administer IV fluids directly into your bloodstream to quickly meet your hydration needs. IV fluids are traditionally reserved for use in a medical setting. However, they are increasingly available outside hospitals and medical centers, like at wellness clinics or at home.
Olaia Salvador / Getty Images' title='IV fluids for dehydration; nurse putting intravenous drip into patient's arm'>
Olaia Salvador / Getty Images
Process of Using IV Fluids for DehydrationAt HomeAdministering IV fluids at home is not a self-administered process and should be done by a trained healthcare professional.The rules differ by state, but typically, a licensed nurse or another healthcare provider must administer your fluids. You must also be sure that a healthcare provider, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical provider has signed off on the need for fluids.If you are receiving IV fluids at home, you need:An order from a licensed healthcare providerIntravenous access (a temporary intravenous line or a more permanent line or port)A licensed professional to perform the IV insertion and administer the fluidsAt the Hospital In a hospital setting, nurses and other caregivers must be trained to administer IV fluids, which a licensed provider must order.Just like at home, you need intravenous access, usually in the form of an intravenous line inserted into one of your arms. Your nurse or caregiver will then administer the ordered fluids and monitor you for their effects.IV fluids are used for several reasons in the hospital setting, including:Maintenance: For when you are unable to take fluids by mouthNutrition: If you need fluids with additional minerals or electrolytesReplacement: When you lose significant amounts of fluid or blood quicklyResuscitation: In cases of severe fluid loss or dehydrationTypes of IV Solutions and Number of Bags for RehydrationCrystalloid fluidsCrystalloid fluids include isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions. Common examples of crystalloid fluids include:Saline (sodium chloride)D5W (5% dextrose in water)Lactated ringer's (a solution of minerals and electrolytes)These are usually used to treat problems caused by:Dehydration or fluid loss (hypovolemia)HemorrhageSepsisColloidsColloid solutions have larger molecules than crystalloid solutions, which means they will stay in the bloodstream longer before moving into the tissues. Examples of fluids in this category include albumin, plasma, and solutions containing gelatin or starches.Healthcare providers use colloid fluids for people with severe dehydration or fluid loss. These solutions increase fluid volume faster and more significantly than crystalloid fluids but can also cause more unintended side effects.Blood ProductsHealthcare providers use blood products to treat fluid loss in specific situations. If you are dehydrated due to acute blood loss or clotting disorders, a healthcare provider may treat you with blood products like packed red blood cells or platelets.Providers carefully consider the risks vs. benefits of using blood products. They will test you to determine your exact blood type and identify antibodies in your blood. The wrong blood type— sometimes even the correct blood type—can trigger severe blood transfusion reactions.
IV Fluids: Not Just WaterIV fluids go directly into your bloodstream and are carefully crafted by scientists to interact specifically with your blood. You should never use plain water in an intravenous solution. Even water used in IV fluids is specially prepared and treated to prevent infections and other problems.
Groups Susceptible to DehydrationInfants and older adults are usually most at risk for dehydration because they typically do not drink enough and may have medical conditions that cause dehydration. Other factors that can increase your risk of dehydration include:Certain medicationsExerciseFeverHeatOther forms of fluid loss, like bleeding or excessive sweatingSome acute or chronic diseases, such as acute kidney injury or kidney failureVomiting or diarrhea
Read Next: Dehydration With Symptoms: How to Rehydrate
Dehydration Signs and SymptomsThe signs and symptoms of dehydration depend on how much fluid you are missing. Sixty percent of our bodies are made of water, and even a 1% to 2% fluid loss can alter your memory and cognitive abilities. You may also notice your skin or lips are drier, and your urine decreases or becomes more concentrated.If you reach a 4% fluid loss, dehydration can affect everyday functions. This dehydration level can cause:Decreased physical enduranceHeadacheIncreased respiratory rateIrritabilityMuscle weaknessTemperature increaseDehydration of 8% or more can cause severe symptoms like loss of consciousness or even death.
Learn More: Chronic Dehydration: How to Rehydrate With Ongoing Symptoms
IV Rehydration Risks and Side EffectsIV rehydration is not without risks or side effects. If you are severely dehydrated, IV fluids will help you feel better quickly. But too much, too little, or the wrong type of fluid—or the presence of some underlying medical problems—can lead to complications.Risks and side effects that can develop during or after IV fluid administration include:Acid-base imbalancesElectrolyte imbalancesFluid congestion in areas like the lungs (especially if you have conditions like heart failure or kidney disease)Fluid overloadInfection or inflammation at the IV site
Related: What Is IV Therapy?
Summary Intravenous fluids come in many forms and can be lifesaving in the right circumstances. If you're dehydrated and need IV fluids, it's best to leave the decision about what kind and how much fluid you need to a medical team.While there are increasingly more options when it comes to IV fluids at home or at med spas, carefully consider the risks and benefits of IV fluids, as well as the credentials and training of the team administering them. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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