Seasonal allergies can be such a drag. You’re not contagious, but you’re definitely feeling under the weather. Sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and that fatigue — It’s enough to keep you from work or school for a day (or longer). It’s a miserable time, to say the least.
Some cope by taking over-the-counter medicines like nasal sprays or homeopathic allergy meltaway tablets while others simply try to get more sleep at night. There are also those who consume more fruits and vegetables or take more vitamins when their allergies worsen. Some folks also try to ignore all the symptoms, hoping they just disappear one day soon.
There has to be another way to deal with those nasty seasonal allergies. You might wonder, would something like IV therapy help with that, or is it just one of those somewhat pricey fads that people in Hollywood get?
Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies
Before deciding if IV therapy is something you may want to try to deal with seasonal allergies, it’s first important to figure out if seasonal allergies are something you’re even dealing with from the get-go.
Some common signs of seasonal allergies include congestion, frequent sneezing, watery eyes, headache, loss of smell, wheezing, and a dry throat. Typically, these symptoms appear soon after or even immediately after being outdoors around pollen, or around dust or other allergens.
Unlike your average sickness, seasonal allergies are usually present in the long term. They may last for weeks or even months without showing signs of going away anytime soon.
To know for sure if you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, see a primary care doctor or allergen specialist for proper testing and diagnosis.
Combating Allergies with IV Therapy
So, the real question is: does IV therapy help at all with seasonal allergies? The answer is: For some people, it can. But, then, how?
First, it’s important to keep in mind that the immune system is alerted when the body comes in contact with allergens, and it often creates antibodies to help fight the allergens.
With a constantly triggered immune system ready for battle, the nutrients and fluids in the body are being depleted quicker than usual. Thus, the immune system could use some help during allergy season, which IV therapy may help certain people with.
The formula that is used to boost immunity via IV therapy often contains a mix of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, and calcium, among other essentials for immune system health. An IV therapy immunity formula also contains saline to help rehydrate the body as much as possible.
How IV Therapy Works
The way in which IV therapy works is quite simple yet amazing. The procedure starts with a trained expert entering a catheter (a thin plastic tube) into the client’s vein (often in the patient’s forearm or top of the hand) via a needle. Once properly inserted, the professional gently removes the needle while the catheter remains in the vein. They will then tape the catheter to keep it from falling out.
Then, the catheter will be hooked up to a bag containing fluid, vitamins, and minerals. Slowly, the bag transfers the concoction into the patient’s vein through the catheter. This latter step in the process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour per session. The amount of IV therapy sessions a person may need, especially for someone with seasonal allergies, varies from one person to the next.
Don’t Vitamins Do the Same Thing?
Some people might argue that IV therapy is a “scam” and that taking vitamins at home will produce the same results for cheaper. But there are differences with IV therapy sessions versus taking vitamins at home.
For one, IV therapy contains saline to provide hydration to the body while vitamins do not. Secondly, through IV therapy, vitamins go directly into the bloodstream while oral vitamins may break down or fail to properly absorb, especially if the individual has a digestive issue.
In addition, a recent study had interesting results from comparing weekly intravenous B12 sessions and daily oral B12 supplementation. This study found that the intravenous sessions increased some patients’ vitamin B12 levels faster than the oral doses, which could make it a better option for those who are severely deficient in this particular vitamin. Of course, see your doctor to find out if it is right for you.
How Quickly Will I Notice Results from IV Therapy for Allergies?
How fast you notice results for seasonal allergies from IV therapy will vary from individual to individual. Results are not guaranteed given every one’s body is unique. Several factors play a role in potential results, including the severity of your seasonal allergies and the state of your immune system. Genetics, too, may play a role.
In the previously mentioned study, some of those who received IV therapy for VB12 may have noticed benefits quicker than those who took the vitamin orally, given their levels increased faster. That may hold true for other vitamins and seasonal allergies, although more research must be done in this area. Certain people may notice improvement in IV therapy for allergies in as little as a few sessions. As earlier said, these results are not guaranteed. Get your doctor’s approval before beginning IV therapy to make sure it is right for you.
Is IV Therapy Painful?
Generally speaking, IV therapy is relatively painless. However, some individuals may notice a slight pinching feeling for a split second when the catheter is being inserted via the needle. Some folks notice a slightly cold sensation as the fluid enters their vein.
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? It might be time to give mobile IV therapy a try to see if it alleviates your seasonal symptoms.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergies are annoying to cope with at certain times of the year. While there are medicines available to deal with this common annoyance, another potential option is IV therapy. By directly inputting vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream, IV therapy might prevent or reduce seasonal allergies when done regularly.
Note: This post is for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical advice. See your doctor before starting IV therapy to make sure it is suitable for you, given your health history, the current condition of your immune system, and other factors.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.