I’m Shane, the nurse behind Revival Mobile IV. Before I started Revival I spent most of my career as a hospital cardiac nurse, and I’m now in nurse practitioner school. One thing that’s easy to miss in Albuquerque: feeling run down, headachy or “off” can simply mean you’re dehydrated. Living here makes that easier than you might think. Here’s why, and what you can do about it.
Why Albuquerque dries you out
We live high. The official weather station at the Albuquerque Sunport sits at about 5,310 feet (NOAA), and many of us head higher on the weekends. Sandia Crest tops out at 10,678 feet (U.S. Forest Service).
The air is dry. Albuquerque averages only about 9 inches of rain a year, with average relative humidity around 44%, and the city’s visitor bureau specifically reminds visitors to drink plenty of water (Visit Albuquerque). The CDC notes that high-altitude environments combine low humidity with lower air pressure (CDC Yellow Book).
Your body loses more water up here. Research reviewed in an NIH-hosted journal article explains that water lost through breathing goes up at high altitude, and that altitude exposure can also increase urination and reduce plasma volume (Sawka et al., Sports Medicine). Add our strong sun and summer heat, and it’s easy to fall behind without feeling especially sweaty, because sweat evaporates quickly in dry air.
The CDC also points out that your body needs more water in hot climates and when you’re more physically active (CDC). In Albuquerque, a lot of us check both boxes.
Signs you might be dehydrated
According to MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine, signs of mild to moderate dehydration include (MedlinePlus):
- Thirst, or a dry or sticky mouth
- Not urinating much, or darker yellow urine
- Dry, cool skin
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
Visitors, keep in mind that some of these overlap with altitude sickness, which MedlinePlus says usually affects people above about 8,000 feet, the kind of elevation you reach on a trip up the Crest (MedlinePlus). If symptoms start while you’re up high, heading back down is the main treatment.
Everyday ways to stay ahead of it
Most of the time you don’t need anything fancy. These simple habits go a long way:
- Carry a water bottle and sip all day. The CDC suggests keeping a reusable bottle with you and choosing water over sugary drinks (CDC).
- Drink more on hot days and active days, before you feel thirsty, and especially if you just flew in from sea level.
- Use electrolytes when you’re sweating a lot or sick. MedlinePlus suggests water or sports drinks with electrolytes for dehydration, and warns against salt tablets (MedlinePlus).
- Go easy on alcohol, especially at altitude. Alcohol makes your kidneys let go of more fluid, which is part of why hangovers feel the way they do (NIAAA). MedlinePlus also advises against drinking alcohol while climbing to high altitude.
- Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, which count toward your fluid intake (CDC).
- Watch kids and older adults closely. MedlinePlus notes older adults are at higher risk of dehydration.
When an IV drip may help
Drinking fluids is the first step, and for most people it’s enough. But there are times when sipping water isn’t keeping up, or you feel too nauseated to drink much, and that’s where IV hydration can be a comfortable option. An IV delivers fluid directly into your bloodstream, so you don’t have to keep it down. Some common situations:
- Visitors and Balloon Fiesta crowds. If you came from sea level and you’re spending long, early mornings on the field, our Rehydration IV ($150) is a simple liter of fluid at your hotel or rental.
- Hiking the Sandias and hard workouts. After a big day on the trail or a tough training session, the Powerhouse IV ($200) pairs fluids with amino acids, B-complex, magnesium and vitamin C.
- The morning after. Our most popular drip, the Redemption IV ($195), combines fluids with B-complex and magnesium, plus anti-nausea and pain medications when your provider authorizes them. To be clear, there’s no cure for a hangover except time, as the NIAAA points out (NIAAA). What we can do is help you rehydrate and feel more comfortable while your body recovers.
IV therapy isn’t right for everyone. Some people with heart, kidney or certain other conditions, or who are pregnant, may need to avoid it or get clearance first. That’s exactly why a medical provider reviews your health history before every visit. Results vary from person to person.
What a visit looks like
- Book online or call or text (505) 269-9475. We’re open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and same-day appointments are almost always available.
- Complete a quick intake. A medical provider reviews your symptoms and health history and authorizes your treatment. Every visit is overseen by our medical director, Angel Colon-Molero, MD.
- Your RN comes to you, at home, a hotel, the office or an event, typically within about 60 minutes in Albuquerque. There’s no travel fee anywhere in the metro, including Rio Rancho, Corrales, Placitas and the East Mountains.
- Relax. A licensed Registered Nurse places your IV and monitors you for the whole session, which usually runs 30 to 60 minutes once the IV is in. Every visit includes an emergency kit.
Not sure if we cover your neighborhood? See mobile IV therapy in Albuquerque or all the areas we serve.
When to call 911 instead
IV therapy is not emergency care, and I’d never want anyone to wait on a mobile visit when they need a hospital. MedlinePlus advises calling 911 for dehydration if someone (MedlinePlus):
- Loses consciousness at any time
- Has any change in alertness, such as confusion or seizures
- Has a fever over 102°F (38.8°C)
- Shows signs of heatstroke, such as a rapid pulse or rapid breathing
- Isn’t improving, or is getting worse, despite treatment
At altitude, also call 911 for severe trouble breathing, coughing up blood or a change in alertness (MedlinePlus). And always call 911 for chest pain, signs of a stroke or a severe allergic reaction.
The bottom line
Albuquerque is a beautiful place to live and visit, but our altitude, sun and dry air quietly pull water out of you. Drink steadily, add electrolytes when you need them, go easy on alcohol, and pay attention to the early signs. And if you’re feeling depleted and want some help, I’m happy to come to you. You’ll feel better, and you’ll feel safe.
— Shane Hindi, RN
This article is for general education and isn’t medical advice. It’s not a substitute for care from your own physician. IV therapy is a wellness service and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See our medical disclaimer.