Healthcare 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.

IV fluids are traditionally reserved for use in a medical setting.

IV fluids for dehydration; nurse putting intravenous drip into patient’s arm

Olaia Salvador / Getty Images

However, they are increasingly available outside hospitals and medical centers, like at wellness clinics or at home.

Your nurse or caregiver will then administer the ordered fluids and monitor you for their effects.

Examples of fluids in this category includealbumin, plasma, and solutions containing gelatin or starches.

Amelia MacIntyre, DO

Healthcare providers use colloid fluids for people with severe dehydration or fluid loss.

Blood Products

Healthcare providers use blood products to treat fluid loss in specific situations.

Providers carefully consider the risks vs. benefits of using blood products.

They will test you to determine your exactblood typeand identify antibodies in your blood.

The wrong blood jot down sometimes even the correct blood typecan trigger severe blood transfusion reactions.

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.

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.

IV Rehydration Risks and Side Effects

IV rehydration is not without risks or side effects.

If you are severely dehydrated, IV fluids will help you feel better quickly.

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