What Are the Risks of Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is one of the effective treatments that deliver medication, fluid, or nutrients to the body with the help of a needle. It is easy for people who can’t take oral medications or oral medicines are not effective on their body because of medical conditions. The drug is directly injected into the bloodstream through infusion therapy, showing quick results in the affected area.
The experience of every patient in infusion therapy is different because they have additional medical conditions. However infusion therapy is a safe treatment, but it can cause some side effects to some people. If you have some other medical issues or allergies, it is always better to discuss them with your doctor. Depending on the treatment or medication, there is a chance that you will experience some risks.
Below are the risks of infusion therapy that you must know so you can discuss them with your health professional.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, people can get allergic reactions to medicines given by infusion. These reactions can go from small skin spots to very bad anaphylaxis, which is a dangerous health problem that can kill. To lessen this danger, people who provide healthcare review patients’ health records and keep a close eye on them while giving infusion treatment. In case of allergic reactions, they always have medicine and other things handy to fix it quickly. Thus, it is essential to select the right infusion services to avoid any potential risk.
Side Effects of Medications
When we use infusion therapy, it might help a lot. But there’s also the chance that these medicines can cause bad side effects too. Common problems can be feeling sick, lightheadedness, tiredness, or blood pressure changes.
But remember, not all patients get these side effects. They also change based on the medicine they are given. Doctors pick medicines carefully and watch over patients while they get the infusion and then afterward to reduce possible harmful effects.
High Dosage of Fluid
Sometimes, too much fluid given during infusion treatment can cause more water than is needed in the body. This happens when the body can’t get rid of extra water well, possibly leading to swollen parts and trouble breathing or heart issues. Healthcare staff keep a close eye on the amount of liquid in our body. They change how fast they give us fluids to avoid giving too much and make sure we are safe.
Risk of Infection
Like any medical procedure that goes too far, there’s a chance of getting infected from infusion treatment. Healthcare workers use strict rules to keep clean conditions while giving medicine to reduce this danger. It is very important to watch the place where the thing was put in for signs of infection, like redness or puffiness. Telling the doctor about any such signs is very important. We need to do that as soon as we can.
Pain and Discomfort
Putting in needles or tubes can hurt and make you feel bad, most often when they start to place them. While doctors and nurses work hard to ease suffering using suitable methods, some people still might feel pain or discomfort when the needle goes in
Phlebitis
Phlebitis is the swelling of a blood vein, which can be caused by rubbing from putting something into it through an IV line. Signs might include redness, pain, and swelling at the spot where medicine is given. Even though it’s usually not too bad, phlebitis can sometimes cause more significant problems. This only happens in very strange situations. Some people experience mild swelling that can go within a few days. You can use icing therapy to reduce swelling; it will reduce the pain and swelling.
Blood Clotting
Putting medicine through a tube can cause clots. This is more likely to happen if patients have health problems that make it easier for blood to form a clot or if they use the tubes too long. Blood clots can block the vein and may need extra help, like drugs that prevent blood from thickening too much. Thus, if you experience blood clotting, make sure to contact your doctor immediately to avoid any further damage to the vein.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some people, after getting infusion therapy, may experience nausea and vomiting. Many people who are not used to infusion therapy may experience side effects of some medications. If you feel nauseated for some time, it may be fine with time. But if you’re experiencing severe vomiting after getting infusion therapy, it is essential to consult your doctor.
Your doctor will recommend some medicines that will reduce the risk of vomiting. However, before suggesting infusion therapy, doctors should make sure that there are no risks involved. But still, if you experience vomiting, it is the reaction of any internal medical issue.
Damage in Tissue
If the health professional places the needle in an improper place or it gets moved from its place, it can result in tissue damage. In some cases, it irritates the tissue, resulting in further complications. While taking infusion therapy, make sure you get it from a reliable infusion center. HealthQuest has certified health professionals who make sure their patients don’t get any type of inconvenience because of infusion therapy and secure maximum benefits from it.
Mouth and Throat Dryness
After infusion therapy, most people experience dry mouth and throat, which is an aftereffect of various medications. If you experience slight dryness, it may get fine by the time. But if you face sores, ulcers, or extreme dryness, make sure to inform your doctor to avoid any severe risks because of any medications.
Low White Blood Cell Count
A person can experience low white blood cell count due to infections, which can affect the body’s healthy cells. White blood cells play an essential role in fighting bacteria and infection. Due to infusion therapy, you may have fewer white blood cells in the body, which can create a risk of getting the infection.
The Bottom Line
Infusion therapies are widely available in multiple hospitals and infusion centers because they are safe and convenient. People who can’t take oral medications can get infusion therapy. Infusion therapy comes with multiple benefits, but there are slights of risks. The risk of infusion therapy can be overcome if you choose a reliable infusion center for your treatment. Thus, HealthQuest is the right option if you’re looking for a reliable infusion center. For more information, you can contact us at (832) 612 3500.