What is artificial hydration?

Artificial hydration is a way to replace fluids that have been lost through vomiting, sweating or diarrhea. It may be necessary when a person is too sick to drink enough water or eat enough food.

Why do our bodies need fluid?

Our bodies are made mostly of water. Almost 60% of our body weight comes from water. In order to be healthy, the body needs water just as it needs food. We lose water everyday in 2 ways: by going to the bathroom (about 45 ounces a day) and by sweating and breathing (at least 21 ounces a day). We have to eat food and drink fluids every day to get the amount of water our bodies need.

How are fluids replaced?

There are 2 ways to replace fluids in someone who needs them. The first way is to put the fluid right into a vein. This is called intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. The other way is to put the fluid under the skin. This is called hypodermoclysis, or subcutaneous fluid replacement.

With IV fluid replacement, doctors and nurses need to watch the person very closely in a hospital. But a family member or another caregiver can do hypodermoclysis at home after a doctor or nurse shows him or her how to do it.

How safe is hypodermoclysis?

This way of replacing fluid has been used safely for many years. It is used most often on older people and in people who have cancer.

How does hypodermoclysis work?

A bag of fluid is connected to a plastic tube and to a long needle. The needle is put under the skin and taped in place, usually on the chest, abdomen or thighs.

A "drip chamber," or small window, in the tube shows how fast the fluid is dripping. The speed of the drip can be controlled by using a roller clamp. A nurse or doctor should replace the needle every 4 to 7 days so the flesh around the needle does not become infected.

Your doctor will decide how fast the fluid should drip. Your doctor will show you how to control the drip and tell you when to check it at home. You can ask your doctor for help if you have questions or problems.

What are the common problems with hypodermoclysis and what should I do?

Most of the time, hypodermoclysis is safe. Sometimes though, there can be problems. Here are a few things that might happen during hypodermoclysis:

1. The speed of the drip changes or the drip stops. Your doctor will show you how to control the flow rate by rolling the roller clamp.
2. The site where the needle is inserted will swell. If you gently rub the skin there, the fluid will soak in better. Your doctor will show you how. Call your doctor for help if the swelling continues or does not get better.
3. The site where the needle is inserted becomes painful. Check the skin for redness. Tell your doctor if the skin is red. It may be time to find a different place to insert the needle.
4. Blood collects in the tube. This means the needle has gone into a vein. Call your doctor if this happens.
5. The person has trouble breathing or is feeling much worse. If this is the case, call your doctor.