There are some potential complications with the use of a catheter that those using a catheter should be aware of. These include blood infections, urinary tract or kidney infections, kidney damage, bladder stones and allergy or sensitivity to latex. Some of these complications can be reduced by learning how to properly care for a catheter and others are just a risk you are faced with. This doesn’t mean that you will suffer from anyone of these potential complications but it is important that you know what they are.

Urinary tract infections are among the most common complications from catheter use. The risks of this can be greatly reduce by proper cleaning and disinfecting of the catheter itself, as well as the drainage bag, and thoroughly cleaning the area after all bowel movements. Drinking an adequate amount of fluids will also help to prevent infections. You can talk with your health care provider to learn more about how to care for your catheter.

It’s also important that you learn more about the signs and symptoms of the complications. This will allow you to recognize if you are developing a complication and allow you to contact your doctor before the condition worsens. Blood in your urine will be a fairly noticeable sign.

Some of the symptoms possible include blood in the urine, cloudy or thick urine, and tenderness around the catheter puncture. In addition, you may also experience a large amount of leakage around the catheter, bladder spasms that does not go away and little to no urine when you have been drinking large amounts of fluids.

Different urinary catheter types will require specific types of care. This is something you will learn when the catheter is placed by your medical health provider. It’s important that you ask questions. A great place to do some research is online, but you should consider this research only. Discuss your findings with your doctor or other health care provider. It is not suggested you attempt to follow the instructions that you find online.

Be sure you follow the steps exactly as your nurse or doctor tells you to. Ask any questions you may have when they are taking you through the steps. This will ensure you are doing everything correctly and you will avoid infection.

Drinking eight to ten glasses of water each day is also very important. It will help to reduce infection, as well as prevent you from becoming constipated. Constipation can lead to leaks in the catheter.

You can also search online to learn more, but it’s not a good idea to trust everything you read online. You’ll want to discuss what you find online with your medical health provider first. There’s nothing wrong with looking for advice online regarding Urinary Catheter, but be careful about following something your Home Medical Products provider has not approved of in your individual case.

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