Can I get an IV drip if I haven't eaten?

Infusion is also called drip. There are many precautions when doing it. If it is done at the wrong time, it will lead to counterproductive effects. For example, many people go directly to get a drip without eating, which is very bad for gastrointestinal function. Except for patients with gastroenteritis or who are eating, it is recommended to eat something before the drip, which is conducive to the absorption of the drug.

Should I eat before the infusion?

It is generally recommended to eat appropriately before infusion. Except for acute gastroenteritis, peritonitis, and diseases that require surgery (such as appendicitis), it is best to eat something before infusion. In particular, try to eat before taking antibiotics, otherwise it will cause a greater reaction to the gastrointestinal tract and easily lead to nausea and fatigue. If there are no special contraindications, you must eat before infusion, especially for patients who do not have the habit of breakfast, don't forget to eat. Besides, eating something before infusion is beneficial to the absorption of fluid.

The dangers of fasting infusion

1. When fasting, hypoglycemia is likely to occur, resulting in pale complexion, palpitations, sweating, etc. If you are hungry for too long, the brain tissue will not get enough energy supply, which will affect its vitality. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms of sympathetic nerve excitement and increased adrenaline secretion, such as pale complexion, palpitations, sweating, etc. Receiving an infusion without eating breakfast will also cause a temporary lack of blood supply to the brain, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, sweating, etc.

2. When fasting, the body is in a state of low metabolic level. When stimulated by external factors (such as intravenous puncture on the back of the hand), a series of physiological changes in the body can be activated. A large amount of adrenaline released by the adrenal glands enters the blood, causing the heart rate to increase, blood pressure to rise, breathing to speed up, and sensitivity to increase. If the patient has a poor physical constitution, it is very easy to cause dizziness and nausea.

3. Fasting state may sometimes trigger and aggravate adverse drug reactions. The elderly, especially those with diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke and the elderly and weak, should be careful not to receive infusion on an empty stomach.

What should I do if I don't eat before the infusion?

If you have not eaten, or are too sick to eat, such as with acute gastroenteritis, the drip rate should be slowed down during the infusion and the patient should be closely observed. The infusion speed must be controlled, and try to avoid some drugs that are irritating to the gastric mucosa. If the infusion is too fast, it is easy to experience palpitations, nausea, vomiting and sweating. In addition to slowing down the infusion rate, it is recommended to drink some water appropriately.

What should I pay attention to when eating before infusion?

Don't eat too much before infusion, and it's best to eat some light food. If it's too greasy, it may cause vomiting, which will make the condition worse. In addition, do not drink carbonated drinks and cold drinks, it is best to drink boiled water.

Can I eat during the infusion?

If it is not a digestive system disease, you can generally eat. It will not affect the efficacy of the medicine. Just don't eat too much. However, it is better to ask the nurse because it may be a little special.