On a cold winter day, Aunt Zhang, a 70-year-old retired teacher, walked into the community hospital because of a cough and runny nose for several days. As usual, she begged the doctor to prescribe her infusions, convinced that this was the only way for her to recover quickly. She is not alone in this belief, and many middle-aged and elderly people in our community believe that infusions are a quick fix for a cure, whether it is a mild cold or a serious illness. However, what Aunt Zhang did not realize was that there were unknown risks behind her Xi practice.
Can infusions really help us recover faster, and more importantly, what are the risks behind it?
Infusion: It is only a treatment, not a panacea
When talking about the medical principles of infusion, we first need to be clear: infusion is not a panacea for all diseases. It is a medical practice designed to replenish body fluids, adjust electrolyte balance, or provide necessary nutrients. Understanding this is essential for the scientific viewing and use of infusions.
1. Basic definition and composition of infusion
What is Infusion: In simple terms, infusion is the process of injecting fluid directly into the blood vessels. These fluids can be saline, glucose solutions, or specific drug solutions.
Main ingredients: Infusion fluids may contain water, electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium), nutrients (e.g., glucose), and medications, as needed.
2. The role of infusion
Replenish fluids and electrolytes: In the event of dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance, infusions can quickly replenish the water and salt needed by the body.
Nutritional support: For patients who are unable to get enough nutrients by mouth, infusions can provide the necessary energy and nutrients.
Drug delivery: In some cases, infusions are a means of delivering drugs into the body efficiently and quickly.
3. Infusions are not a solution for all conditions
Restricted use: Infusions are primarily used to treat dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, or specific medications. For the common cold or minor illness, regular oral medication and rest are more appropriate.
Problems of over-reliance: Inappropriate or unnecessary infusions can lead to adverse effects such as hypervolemia, electrolyte imbalances, and even allergic reactions.
4. Scientific application of infusion
A doctor's assessment is crucial: whether or not an infusion is needed, as well as the type and amount of fluids, should be decided by the doctor based on the patient's specific condition.
Individualized treatment: Each patient's condition is unique, and infusion regimens need to be individualized and cannot be generalized.
From the above, we can see that the use of infusion as a means of treatment requires careful and scientific judgment. For middle-aged and elderly people, more attention should be paid to avoiding unnecessary medical interventions and prioritizing safer and more suitable treatments.
Infusions: Healing Weapon or Invisible Killer?
When we talk about infusions, the usual impression is that it is a quick and effective treatment. However, as a doctor, I must point out: infusions are not always safe and harmless. In fact, it can come with a range of serious side effects and risks if used inappropriately.
1. Side effects of infusions
Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the infusion, such as certain medications or rehydration fluids. These reactions can vary in severity, from a mild rash to severe anaphylactic shock.
Electrolyte imbalance: Infusions can cause an imbalance of electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium) in the body. Especially in the case of long-term or large infusions, electrolyte imbalances may occur, affecting heart and nervous system function.
Volume overload: excessive fluid infusion may lead to volume overload, especially in patients with cardiac insufficiency or poor renal function, and may lead to heart failure or pulmonary edema.
2. Long-term risks
Phlebitis and thrombosis: Prolonged venipuncture and infusions can lead to phlebitis and sometimes thrombosis, which is especially common in older patients.
Risk of infection: During the infusion, if not handled properly, it can lead to local or systemic infection, including severe bacteremia.
3. Risks especially for middle-aged and elderly people
Metabolic disorders: Metabolic disorders are usually weak in middle-aged and older people, so infusions may exacerbate their metabolic disorders, especially in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism or elevated systemic arterial blood pressure.
Drug interactions: Given that middle-aged and older adults often need to take multiple medications, the drugs in the infusion may interact adversely with the medications they already have.
Infusion: a savior or a misunderstanding?
In the medical field, infusions are a common treatment, but they are not suitable for all diseases. A proper understanding of the indications and non-indications for infusion is critical to patient safety and health. Here's a closer look at the topic.
Indications: Correct use scenarios for infusions
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances: When a patient is dehydrated due to diarrhea, vomiting, etc., infusions can quickly replace fluids and electrolytes.
Volume depletion: In situations such as hemorrhage or shock, fluids can help restore blood volume and stabilize vital signs.
Infusions of certain drugs: For example, in chemotherapy or certain antibiotic treatments, they need to be given by infusion.
Non-indications: Misconceptions and potential harms of infusion
Common cold or minor illness: For most minor illnesses, such as the common cold, treatment with infusions is not required. Over-reliance on infusions can lead to unnecessary medical intervention.
Chronic disease management: For chronic diseases such as abnormal glucose metabolism and increased systemic arterial blood pressure, infusion is not an effective means of long-term management.
Self-diagnosis and treatment: Patients should not make their own decisions about the use of fluids, as inappropriate use may pose risks, such as an increase in the burden on the heart due to excessive use of fluids.
Extended content: The importance of appropriate use of infusions
Consideration of individual differences: different patients have different health conditions and pathological characteristics, so when considering infusion, it is important to comprehensively evaluate individual characteristics.
The doctor's judgment is crucial: the decision on whether to proceed with infusion therapy should only be made after the evaluation and recommendation of a medical professional.
The necessity of popular science education: Enhance the public's awareness of infusion indications and non-indications, help avoid blind trends and misunderstandings, and improve the overall medical health level.