Saturday 5 January 2013

Important Information On Infusion Therapy Long Island Patients Should Know

By Katelyn Buckner


There are a number of things regarding infusion therapy Long Island residents may wish to know if planning to undergo the procedure. The treatment is simply the administration of drugs through hypodermic needles or catheters. A catheter is a tubing of variable size that facilitates the flow of fluids. In practice, the term refers to use of the venous route but it should be remembered that it extends to include other non-oral routes as intramuscular and epidural.

The therapy is usually used when there is need to give drugs that may not be taken orally. This may be either due to failure of absorption or when the drug cannot reach its site when taken through this site. It is also used when there is a need to achieve rapid effect. Infusion ensures that a constant dose of drug is supplied to the site of action.

Several diseases are treated using this therapy. They include immune deficiencies, dehydration, cancers, dehydration, cancer pain, cardiac failure and gastrointestinal disorders among others. The common practice is to use of a combination of different modes of drug administration for treatment.

Up until the 1980s, it was a must for all patients on this method of drug administration to remain in an inpatient setting. This had to change, however, due to the associated high costs. Modifications were made on the technique in an attempt to enable its use in alternative settings. Consequently, many patients who require long term drug administration can continue to receive treatment at a relatively low cost.

Part of the improvements that were made included the use of infusion sets. These ensured that the patients would have their medication and continue with their daily activities without interruption. A recent development is the use of infusion pumps meant to help patients to administer drugs even in the absence of a health care assistant. It helps them to set the prescribed dose accurately.

Some of the alternative settings used in drug administration include homes, special outpatient centers and workplaces. Patients who choose to have treatment at home or workplaces need to accurately know the procedure. It is also a good idea to have another person trained to help the patient. If the treatment is to be done in an outpatient center, healthcare providers will often be present to assist. Patients will come to the center to receive medication and leave as soon as it is over.

Patients preparing to have infusion therapy need to follow a given set of guidelines. One of the requirements is that they should drink lots of fluids (preferably water). If one has a condition that prevents adequate hydration from being achieved such as renal disease, they should consult with their physicians on alternative ways of hydrating. At times, there is need for premedication with other drugs. It is important to establish this well in advance. Other guidelines may include the wearing of loosely fitting clothes, avoidance of perfumes and the preparation of a list of all the medications being used.

Something important regarding infusion therapy Long Island patients should know is that the treatment occasionally results in some side effects. Since drugs are administered systemically, the side effects are also likely to be systemic. In the event that the effects are too severe, one will be well advised to see a physician immediately for an assessment.




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