Sometimes people are unable to take oral medications because of sickness or some medicines cannot be given orally because the enzymes in the digestive system can digest the medicine without treating the disease. To solve these issues, infusion therapy was induced a long time ago. Infusion therapy is administering drugs and medications in the blood through the vein with the help of a sterile needle or a catheter. IV therapy is mostly used to treat chronic conditions of diseases. The liquids which are administered are called infusions. Infusion can be antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, chemotherapy drugs, blood factors, growth hormones, vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulin protein, etc.

This blog will guide you about Infusion Therapy Treatment and 7 different diseases which can be treated with help of IV therapy. Read it carefully to know the benefits and side effects of infusion therapy.

Types of Infusion Therapy

Infusion therapy is not an easy way, but it is effective. There are the following types of infusion therapy:

Chemotherapy
Anti-coagulation therapy
Inotropic therapy
Hydration
Antibacterial/Antiviral
Enteral Nutrition
Pain Management
Total Parenteral Nutrition
Anti-Emetics
Anti-hemophilic factors
Blood component stimulating factor

How does Infusion Therapy work?

During infusion therapy, a fluid which is called infusion is directly administered into your blood via veins. A catheter or a needle is inserted into your vein. once the needle is secured, infusion with proper medicine is prepared. You start receiving infusion treatment and it can last from 25 minutes to several hours that depends upon the medication you are receiving.

Diseases Infusion Therapy Treats

Infusion therapy treats many diseases and it’s a secure way to receive medication directly into your body which is more effective and faster. Infusion therapy is a treatment that can cure, ease or eliminate the symptoms of the disease. When an infusion is directly administered into the blood it can change the immune system. It gives long-term relief in a faster and more effective way.

Following are some diseases that can be treated with the help of Infusion therapy.

Dehydration
- It can be caused by any medical condition i.e., vomiting, pregnancy, diarrhea, etc.
Asthma
Anemia of chronic kidney diseases
Iron deficiency / Anemia
Osteoporosis / bone disorders / hypocalcemia
Enzyme deficiencies
Autoimmune disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriasis
Neurological disorders
- Infusion therapy helps in treating many neurological disorders nowadays.
- During infusion therapy of neurological disorders, the main goal is to make the patient stronger.
- Following is the list of neurological disorders:
  - Multiple sclerosis
  - ALS
  - Chronic inflammatory demyelinating
  - Myasthenia gravis
  - Neuropathy
  - Polymyositis
  - Migraines / chronic headaches
  - Dermatomyositis
  - Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Enzyme disorders/deficiencies
  - Pompe disease
  - Gaucher disease
  - Fabry disease
- Infections
  - Cellulitis
  - Bacteremia
  - UTI
  - MRSA
  - Bacterial / fungal / viral infections
  - Osteomyelitis
  - Pneumonia

Apart from above mention diseases, many other diseases are being cured with the help of infusion therapy nowadays.

Side effects of IV therapy

There are some risks also involved with IV therapy especially when you have to take infusions many times consequently.

Air embolism ___ If an air bubble enters your vein, it can block the vein and can cause serious issues. This condition is called air embolism. It occurs when an air bubble is pumped with injection into a vein accidentally, but it is very rare.
Infection __ If the doctor or the medical staff is not being careful and sanitizing equipment, a microbe can enter your body through an unsterilized needle and can cause infection.
Phlebitis __ is a condition in which inflammation of the vein occurs. It can be possible because of irritation by a catheter. It is usually superficial and curable.
Collapsed veins __ vein is ruptured or blown, and it is leaking blood which can cause discoloration and inflammation above your skin.
Sometimes infusion can travel to surrounding tissues because of dislodged needles and can be harmful.
Infusion therapy may cause some reactions in your body. Symptoms of reaction are following:
- Rash
- Headache
- Itching
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling of tongue, eyelids, or lips
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of hands, anklets, or feet

Advantages of IV therapy

Iv therapy is a treatment that is itself a benefit, but some instant benefits can be acquired by IV therapy.

Immediate Hydration __ Many conditions can dehydrate a human body. An IV infusion can instantly increase the hydration level of the body.
Increased Energy __ Adding B12 vitamin into your infusion can increase your energy level instantly because vitamin B12 when inserted into the blood directly works faster as compared to given in a supplement.
Vitamin Absorption __ Vitamin absorption is faster when directly inserted into the blood in the form of infusion and can cure illness quickly.
Customized IV therapies __ Some physicians customize infusion formulas for specific symptoms of illness.
Long-term relief __ Infusion therapy is a treatment that is about the direct insertion of infusion or medication into the blood. It gives effective results as compared to pills and shots. It cures disease quickly and gives long-term relief to patients.
IV therapy can cure illness by directly acting on an area where your body needs it most.

Conclusion

Infusion therapy is an effective and faster way to cure illness and at the same time, you need to be careful about your treatment. Always tell the doctor about your medical history before taking any kind of treatment. Hopefully, this blog has guided you towards diseases that can be cured by infusion therapy and it was helpful to you in understanding the pros and cons of infusion therapy. Thank you!