There are times when you’re so busy you don’t get enough water during the day, but a simple glass or two can put you back in balance. But if you don’t keep an eye on your water intake over a prolonged period of time, or perhaps you have a medical event or illness, that thirst can tip over into chronic dehydration. That’s when you can turn to the nourishing liquid of an IV for proper rehydration.

Chronic Dehydration Causes and Symptoms

There are serval situations that may increase the likelihood of chronic dehydration:

• Spending a great deal of time outdoors, especially in hot climates
• Inadequate water consumption
• Lack of regular access to water or other hydrating fluids
• Heavy sweating during outdoor work or exercise
• Regular use of diuretics
• Diarrhea caused by a medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or gluten sensitivity
• Severe vomiting due to illness or intense morning sickness

How can you tell if you’re suffering from chronic dehydration? Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• Extreme thirst that can’t be resolved by drinking a glass or two of water (you can’t stay hydrated)
• Urine that’s dark in color
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle weakness
• Papery skin that’s dry and flaky
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Fatigue

It’s important to treat this type of dehydration as soon as possible. You could be at higher risk of kidney stones, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal problems, dementia, or high blood pressure, and you may need to be hospitalized if you don’t address the situation.

Chronic Dehydration Treatment

Your healthcare provider will first want to examine you to determine if you have chronic dehydration. It might be as simple as checking the skin for elasticity, as a lack of elasticity indicates dehydration. It may also involve labs that measure your electrolyte, sodium, and potassium levels. Depending on your results and the seriousness of your condition, your doctor may recommend an IV. 

IV therapy can help in the following ways:

• It delivers hydration directly to the bloodstream (as opposed to oral medications, which first travel through the digestive system). This makes IV therapy fast-acting and effective.
• An IV solution contains vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to replenish your body.
• Trained medical professionals oversee your IV treatment to ensure everything goes smoothly and that your body responds to the therapy.
• IV therapy is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.

Many people wonder, how long does it take to reverse chronic dehydration? The answer depends on the individual’s health condition and the severity of dehydration. People tend to bounce back more quickly with IV therapy because it infuses vitamin-rich hydration that balances the body. Your healthcare provider will also want to retest your levels to make sure your treatment is working. Once you’re back to normal, it’s helpful to monitor your water consumption to prevent a recurrence. You may also need to make some changes to your usual habits, such as cutting back on stress, alcohol, and caffeine.

Mobile IV Nurses is a leader in IV therapy for chronic dehydration, with affordable pricing packages that make treatment accessible for everyone. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment.