You may have seen, or heard, someone being given 'saline' in a hospital. A cannula is inserted into the arm, and a fluid is pumped into the body from a bag hanging from a high stand. Many people are a little scared of this, and some think that this is something that is given only for serious illnesses. What exactly are these IV fluids, or the saline we all know? In what situations is it given? Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
Why do we need IV Fluids?
Simply put, IV (intravenous) fluids are special fluids that are given to the body through a vein. The main reason for giving them is to prevent or treat dehydration , which is when the body's water and essential salts become dangerously low.
Our bodies are made up of 60% water. So imagine what would happen if this amount of water decreased. Water is essential for every cell and organ in the body. In cases where someone cannot maintain the required water level by drinking water by mouth, IV fluids become essential.
| Main situations where IV Fluids may be needed | |
|---|---|
| Being seriously ill | When you have severe vomiting and diarrhea , a large amount of fluid is quickly lost from the body. At such times, things taken by mouth are not absorbed by the body. |
| Exercise and extreme heat | When you don't drink enough water, exercise excessively, or are exposed to intense sunlight, a large amount of water is lost from the body through sweat. |
| Serious injuries or burns | In such cases, the body can lose a large amount of fluid. |
| Surgery | Especially in surgeries performed under anesthesia (put to sleep), IV fluids are given because the patient is unable to eat or drink and needs fluids during the surgery. |
Effects and symptoms of dehydration
When the body becomes dehydrated, it can affect many things.
- Loss of electrolyte balance in the body.
- Decreased mental performance and memory impairment.
- Loss of energy, feeling tired all the time.
- Irregular digestion and bowel movements.
- Increased frequency and intensity of headaches.
- Damage to major organs such as the kidneys, heart , and brain.
- Weakness in physical activity.
- Deterioration of skin health.
Now, these are the most common symptoms of severe dehydration. If you have one or more of these, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately.
| Symptom | How you feel/look |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Feeling dizzy when standing or getting up. |
| Dry eyes | Feeling of dryness in the eyes to the point where tears do not come out even when crying. |
| Dry lips and tongue | Lack of saliva, chapped lips, and dry tongue. |
| Dry skin | The skin becomes dry, wrinkled, and sometimes spots appear on the skin. |
| Fatigue | Feeling extremely tired even without doing any work. |
| Rapid breathing | Breathing rate higher than normal. |
| Cold hands and feet | Feeling cold when touching hands and feet. |
| Decreased urination | Urinating less than four times a day and the urine that is excreted is dark yellow. |
What are the types of IV Fluids?
Your doctor will decide what type of IV fluid you need. It will vary depending on your condition. There are two main types.
Crystalloid Solutions
These are the ones that are used most often. The tiny particles in these liquids easily pass through our bloodstream into our cells.
- Normal Saline : This is what we all know as 'saline'. Simply put, it contains water and salt ( sodium chloride).
- D5W: This contains dextrose, which is a type of sugar, and water.
- Lactated Ringer's: This contains sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is used when a large amount of fluid needs to be given to the body quickly.
Colloid Solutions
These are relatively large particles. They do not easily enter cells and often remain in the bloodstream. Albumin and hetastarch are examples of this.
What happens when an IV is placed?
This process is done by a doctor or a trained nurse. It is a very gradual process.
1. First, we determine the type and amount of IV fluid you need based on your weight, age, and medical condition.
2. Next, the site where the cannula will be inserted (often the inside of the elbow or upper arm) is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
3. The upper arm is tied with an elastic band (tourniquet) to expose the vein.
4. A suitable vein is selected and a sterilized cannula (a small plastic tube with a needle) is inserted into it. At this point , you will feel a slight prick, but it will only be for a short time.
5. Once the cannula is inserted into the vein, the elastic band is removed.
6. The cannula is secured to the arm with a plaster to prevent it from moving.
7. Then, the long tube connected to the IV fluid bag is connected to the cannula.
8. The IV fluid bag is hung on a tall stand (IV stand), and the fluid is forced into the body at a set rate through a pumping machine or by gravity.
9. Medical staff constantly monitor this process.
If you feel like the flow rate is too high/too low while the IV is in place, if the cannula is painful, if the cannula seems loose, if you have a headache, or if you have difficulty breathing, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
What are the benefits and risks of this?
IV rehydration, or giving fluids into a vein, is a very common, simple, and safe procedure. It also provides rapid relief. It can even help save the life of someone who is seriously ill.
However, there are some complications that can occur very rarely. There is no need to worry about these, but it is good to be aware.
| Complication | What does that mean? |
|---|---|
| Air Embolism | Air entering the vein through the IV line. This is very rare, but can be serious. |
| Collapsed Vein | The vein may become constricted when the cannula is inserted or left in place for a long time. In that case, the medical staff will use a different vein. |
| Fluid Overload | Taking in too much fluid too quickly can cause headaches, high blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. This can be avoided by adjusting fluid levels. |
| Blood clot (Hematoma) | Leakage of blood from a vein into surrounding tissue. It looks like a bruise and heals in a few weeks. |
| Infection | Infections can occur if the cannula insertion site is not properly cleaned. Antibiotics can treat them. |
| Liquid leakage (Infiltration) | Fluid can leak out of the vein into the tissues due to movement of the cannula. Minor pain and bruising may occur but are easily resolved. |
| Phlebitis (swelling of the vein) | The IV causes swelling of the vein. This is quite common and can be treated by removing the cannula, applying heat, and elevating the arm. |
Take-Home Message
- IV fluids, or 'saline', are a treatment given primarily for a lack of water and salts in the body (dehydration).
- Dehydration is not something to be taken lightly. If you experience severe symptoms of dehydration, seek medical advice immediately.
- Giving IV fluids is a very safe procedure that is commonly performed in hospitals. Don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- The type and amount of IV fluid you need will be determined by your doctor after examining your medical condition.
- If you feel any discomfort while the IV is in place, let the doctor or nurse know immediately.
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