As Phoenix continues to bake under record-shattering temperatures, Banner Urgent Care now offers IV hydration bags in its clinics.
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The IV bags, which are administered by a nurse practitioner, contain 1,000 milliliters of sodium. They can offer quick relief to people suffering from dehydration, said Samia Kadri, nurse practitioner and supervisor at Banner Urgent Care.
Kadri recently used one to help a young construction worker who came into the urgent care with mild signs of dehydration (mild headache, fatigue, feeling “off’’).
The IV-hydration treatment takes up to 60 minutes, but patients can feel the hydrating effects of the sodium fairly quicker than that, she said.
Good candidates for the hydration lines are people who feel like water isn’t satisfying their thirst.
For even milder cases of dehydration, Kadri often prescribes a simple solution of water, salt and sugar that people can make at home to help replenish salt and potassium lost through urination.
“Water is always a good option but let’s not forget those electrolytes. Sometimes you will need more than water.’’
People’s hydration requirements differ. Athletes and those who are breastfeeding, for example, need more water than other people.
It’s important to check in on your own body, Kadri said. For example, if you feel thirsty, it means you are already dehydrated. Also, a headache can be first sign of dehydration.
Other symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, inability to shed tears, sunken cheeks, dark urine, extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, irritability, inability to sleep and constipation.
Hydration plays an essential role in keeping your body cool during the heat. Without proper hydration, your blood volume decrees, which makes it harder for your heart to work. Also, hydration allows you to sweat which also helps cool off the body.
