Everyone needs water but it can be hard to get enough at certain times. Here’s a look at how dehydration affects your body and when to consider IV hydration.
Dehydration happens faster than you think, and you can become seriously dehydrated without noticing it. Whether you’re sick, traveling, or spending a lot of time outside, it’s important to know what the early stages of dehydration look like. If you’re having trouble rehydrating by drinking more fluids, an IV can help.
At Ketaesthetics in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, our team of pain management specialists provides safe, effective IV hydration therapy to get you feeling better quickly. Here’s what happens when you’re dehydrated and how IV therapy can help.
Symptoms of dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluids. Without water, your body is unable to carry out necessary functions, leading to increasingly severe symptoms. While most adults can endure mild dehydration for some time, young children and seniors are especially vulnerable.
There are many reasons you might experience dehydration and illness is a common cause. A high fever raises your internal temperature, while vomiting and diarrhea can cause you to lose fluids faster than you can replace them.
Exercise, hot weather, and intense travel can also lead to dehydration. Thirst is your body’s natural protection against dehydration, but many people forget to hydrate themselves properly while spending time outside or on the move.
Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include:
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Muscle cramping
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Reduced urination
- Brain fog and confusion
If you fail to rehydrate in time, you may develop severe dehydration which can cause an elevated heartbeat, rapid breathing, excessive vomiting, and fainting. If you or someone else is struggling to stay conscious and keep down fluids, seek immediate help.
How IV hydration can help
Water, juice, and sports drinks are all great ways to rehydrate, but sometimes drinking fluids isn’t enough. It takes time to replenish your body’s reserves this way, and symptoms can persist despite your best efforts.
If you’re struggling to bounce back from dehydration, intravenous rehydration can deliver fluids directly into your bloodstream. Not only does this help you rehydrate faster, but it can also increase the efficacy of electrolytes and vitamins.
An IV isn’t always necessary in cases of dehydration, but it can help you feel better faster. You might consider opting for IV hydration if you:
- Are recovering from illness, especially food poisoning
- Are experiencing jet lag and fatigue from travel
- Are suffering from a severe hangover
- Just finished a long, intense workout
- Want to feel refreshed as soon as possible
At Ketaesthetics, our standard hydration drips consist of saline, although vitamins and supplements can be added to boost your results.
Feeling thirsty, fatigued, or irritable? You might need some fluids. To try IV hydration yourself, call Ketaesthetics at 917-639-3180 or request an appointment online.