Introduction
Infusion therapy, also known as IV (Intravenous) therapy, involves delivering medicines directly into a vein for treatment purposes. In this blog, we will discuss how infusion therapy works, its indications, and potential side effects.
What is Infusion Therapy?
Sometimes, when medicines cannot be administered orally or when a heavy dose is required, oral intake can potentially be damaging. Therefore, the medication must be administered through a route with more fluid content.
Specifically, there are three main types of therapy:
- Intravenous (IV): Medication or fluids are delivered directly into a vein, providing rapid absorption.
- Intramuscular (IM): Medication is injected into a muscle, allowing for slower absorption than IV.
- Subcutaneous (SC): Medication is administered into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.
Infusion therapy is one such method of delivering medicine. It uses a syringe or catheter to deliver medications or fluids. This method is used for administering medications that need to be delivered slowly or cannot be taken orally. We’ll examine in more detail what this therapy is, how it functions, and the kinds of ailments it can address in this post.
What Types of Conditions is it Used for?
Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for numerous cancer types. Many chemotherapy treatments need to be given through an IV, while some can be taken orally. Chemotherapy medications are occasionally injected into the spine or a particular bodily region.
Chemotherapy medications can be infused straight into your bloodstream via infusion treatment. Additionally, it eliminates the need for several needles while administering anti-nausea and other drugs.
But infusion treatment isn’t limited to treating cancer. It also serves as a therapy for:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Heart failure with congestion
- Hydration deficit
- Immunological deficits
- Diseases for which oral medicines are ineffective
- Suffering
Did you know anemia can make you feel dizzy, weak, fatigued, have less stamina, etc? To avoid this condition, you need iron infusion therapy. However, opt for the best therapeutic center to administer the infusions to avoid post-administration risks.
What is an Infusion Treatment?
There are a few simple steps for administering infusions and it can be administered through any trainee nurse too:
Initial Assessment
A healthcare provider evaluates the patient’s condition and determines if this therapy is necessary. This includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, current medications, and specific health needs.
Preparation
The required medications or fluids are prepared, and the infusion equipment is set up. However, make sure that you have sterilized all the equipment and that the specific medications are ready.
Administration
The nurse inserts the catheter into the vein after feeling it. The infusion may be inserted into veins, muscles, or subcutaneous tissues. Then, the medications or fluids are inserted. The type of catheter and its placement depends on the type of therapy being used. For long-term treatments, a central line may be placed.
Monitoring
The nursing staff should closely keep an eye on the patient after administering the medications so that any adverse reaction can be catered to immediately.
Additionally, the equipment used in the therapy includes IV bags, catheters, pumps, and monitoring devices. Infusion therapy can vary in duration and frequency, depending on the treatment required. Some infusions may take a few minutes, while others can last several hours. The frequency of therapy sessions can range from daily to monthly, based on the patient’s needs and the specific treatment protocol.
Infusion Therapy -What to Expect?
This therapy takes place in a clinical setup. These setups might include a doctor’s office, infusion center, hospital, outpatient facility, etc.
Needles must be changed after every IV session. Therefore, if your doctor determines that you will require more than one IV therapy session, they might suggest options other than a typical IV line. You can have central lines placed in your groin, arm, neck, or chest, and they will stay there for a while.
Getting a port surgically inserted under your skin is an additional option. In subsequent treatments, the vein can be accessed without stabbing you by inserting the needle into the port. When your treatments are over, the port will be surgically removed.
Infusion Therapy Side Effects
Although uncommon, adverse effects might vary depending on the drug being used. A few of these might be:
- Lightheadedness
- Emesis
- Stiffness in the Muscles
- The injection location is itchy.
- Headaches
One of our medical professionals will go over your prescription medicine and go over any potential side effects with you before beginning this therapy.
Infection at the injection site, where the IV needle is put, is one of the other hazards. It’s also possible for the needle to break loose and let the solution seep into the nearby tissues. Every infusion is overseen by a doctor or a certified nurse to reduce these hazards.
Are There any Risks involved with Infusion Therapy?
Although the therapy is a smooth process, there might be standing challenges. Especially if you have small veins, the insertion process might get painful and form scars.
If you require repeated infusions, scar tissue may eventually grow and deteriorate your veins. IV treatment risks include the following:
- Infection causing flattened veins
- Air embolism
- Phlebitis
Occasionally, a needle can come loose, letting the drug seep into the surrounding tissue. This can be dangerous with certain drugs.
Additional dangers may arise based on the kind of drugs you’re taking. Any new medication may trigger a severe reaction in your body. Reactions usually occur on the first occasion that you receive a particular treatment.
Can you go to the Bathroom during an Infusion Treatment?
Following the start of therapy, inform the doctor or registered nurse if you need to use the restroom. We will pause your infusion for a few minutes so you can use the restroom. Depending on the drug, you might require help to maintain your balance. You might wish to use disposable underwear if you have incontinence to avoid accidents.
How to Prepare for Infusion Therapy?
Our top priority at Infusion Associates is making you feel comfortable. To guarantee a seamless course of treatment:
Comply with the advice of your physician
Before receiving some infusions, the patient may need to drink some water. Some might need to follow a specific diet or start taking medication before the infusion. Your doctor will let you know what steps to take to best prepare for your therapy before recommending you to one of our clinics.
Put all of your worries in writing
Before you start treatment, write down all of your questions. We would be pleased to talk with you about them. We will go over every step of the procedure, the possibility of adverse effects, their nature, and any other concerns you may have.
Conclusion
To conclude, infusion therapy is a significant medical treatment offering benefits for patients. From chronic conditions to emergencies, it helps in delivering medications that are otherwise not potentially safe.
However, it’s important to consider the potential risks and ensure that patients are suitable candidates for this treatment. As research and technology continue to advance, the future of this therapy looks bright, promising even better outcomes and patient experiences.
Preferred Primary Care (PPC) is your trusted partner in delivering elderly care, with a team of experts and years of experience, we tend to create a nurturing environment for our elderly community. Contact us for the best services in town.
