Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir

Anyone who has ever felt very unwell knows the relief that receiving an infusion provides. An infusion is extremely useful in such situations as it serves to replenish fluids and electrolytes. An infusion is essentially a light, but steady intravenous administration of a physiologically active or inactive solution.

Unlike injections, an infusion is a method by which a liquid solution enters directly into the bloodstream evenly and over an extended period. The patient experiences a reduction in discomfort as quickly as possible, and their body is supplied with essential substances.

Receiving an infusion is one way to quickly revive and recover a person who is in poor health. Infusions are administered under a doctor's orders and can be received either in a clinic or at home. Administering infusions at home is very practical if the patient is unable or not in a condition to visit a clinic, but it is important to note that it must be performed by a professional.

Administering infusions is one of the basic services provided by the home care service within Eliksir Health Care. Professional and courteous home care nurses visit patients and provide all necessary assistance, including this service.

Administering an infusion at home – everything you need to know

As mentioned, administering an infusion can be done both in medical facilities and at home, through the services of a home care nurse. It is important to note that administering an infusion at home has certain advantages for individuals who need an infusion.

Since patients needing an infusion are often in very poor physical condition, it is much faster and more comfortable for them to receive this service in their own home. In this way, individuals in poor condition do not have to leave the comfort of their home and risk further worsening of their condition.

Outside of the hospital, infusions are generally administered to people suffering from fluid loss and mild dehydration accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, and similar symptoms. Administering an infusion at home is also performed for specific disorders in which the loss of body fluids and nutrients cannot be replaced by food or drink.

Additionally, home infusions are used for severely ill and immobile patients who are being treated at home, to help them recover, and medications can also be administered through it.

When is infusion necessary?

Infusions should not be administered on one's own and without consulting professionals, i.e., doctors who must approve or prescribe the infusion. Infusions are prescribed as assistance in numerous situations for sick individuals, and are also used by completely healthy individuals to recover after a strenuous period.

The most common needs for infusion are in the following conditions:

• for dehydration (excessive fluid loss);
• for digestive disorders (persistent diarrhea);
• for weakened immunity, acute or chronic viral or bacterial infections;
• for stress, chronic fatigue, and exhaustion;
• for prolonged use of medications or inability to take medications orally;
• as a combination with certain medications to facilitate faster absorption into the bloodstream;
• for severe and persistent migraines;
• for allergies;
• for anemia and electrolyte imbalances in the blood;
• after burns;
• during prolonged fevers;
• for detoxification after chemotherapy;
• for recovery after radiation and chemotherapy;
• for nausea from food poisoning, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.

Basic composition of an infusion

An infusion contains medically prescribed values of substances needed by the body when in an abnormal state, to return it to normal. In a standard infusion, the basic substances include:

• Sodium chloride (Salt)
• Sugars (Glucose or Dextrose)
• Electrolytes or minerals
• Vitamins

How an infusion is administered – procedure and method of application

Infusion is most commonly administered intravenously, i.e., by injecting the fluid into a vein through a cannula or butterfly needle (cannula is placed in the vein of the hand, and the butterfly needle in the vein of the forearm). When the body dehydrates due to excessive fluid loss, the substances in the infusion content restore fluids to the body, replenish lost strength, and make people feel better or rehydrated.

The process of intravenous infusion is not demanding and is quite routine, but it must be performed by qualified medical personnel because the infusion equipment comes into direct contact with the skin, veins, and bloodstream, and improper infusion can have consequences for the patient.

Equipment for administering infusions at home

Although infusions are received at home, it is crucial to follow strict procedures regarding the equipment used for administering infusions. The most important thing is that the infusion solution packaging is completely sterile, without any damage, discoloration, or change in structure.

Medical personnel are trained to assess the condition of the infusion solution bag, which is another reason to contact the home care service when an infusion is needed. The same rule applies to all other equipment necessary for intravenous infusion (needles, cannulas, butterfly needles, adhesive tape, etc.).

An infusion consists of a bag containing the solution, which is always hung at least one meter above the infusion site, as well as a silicone tube through which the solution reaches the vein with a flow regulator. Additionally, it is important for medical personnel to regulate the amount and speed of solution infusion into the bloodstream, depending on the patient's condition.

Each bag containing the infusion solution must have a label or declaration detailing all substances contained in the solution, medical (Latin) names of the solution, sterilization date, batch number, expiration date, and manufacturer.

Problems that may arise during infusion administration

As with any therapy, there are minimal risks associated with infusion administration, including:

• Pain and tingling at the infusion site, which usually resolves quickly;
• Mild infection at the infusion site, which is easily and quickly treated;
• Vein rupture due to prolonged infusion therapy – in this case, medical personnel will move the needle to another vein, and the ruptured vein site will be treated with warm compresses;
• Infusion dislocation in the vein, meaning the solution starts leaking into the tissue around the vein. This condition is usually immediately felt and noticed by the patient, as a slight swelling appears around the infusion site. Treatment is the same as for a ruptured vein;
• Nutritional imbalance in the blood occurs when an inappropriate infusion is administered, with an incorrect mix of substances or medications. This imbalance is detected through blood and urine analysis and is corrected by administering appropriate therapy.

Based on the above, it is clear that receiving an infusion at home can be a significantly relieving convenience for the patient, but it is also important to be aware that administering an infusion at home requires the assistance of professionals who can best perform the job.

Therefore, experts from Eliksir Health Care are at your service, providing professional and caring attention to all individuals in need of home care.