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.

The most common risk is that of a urinary tract infection. This is something most people will be faced with regardless of how long the catheter is used. Thankfully there are some simple things you can do that will help to reduce the risks of urinary tract infections occurring. Properly caring for and cleaning the catheter, the drainage bag, and your own personal area after a bowel movement is your best option. When the catheter is inserted, a nurse or your doctor will give you instructions on how to keep the area and all of the parts of the catheter cleaned and disinfected.

It’s also important that you are aware of the signs of potential complications that can occur. This will help you to detect the signs early enough to get the proper treatment without much discomfort. Most of them will be easy to recognize.

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.

There will be specific things you will need to know depending on which type of urinary catheter type you are using. You can do some research online, but discussing it with your medial provider is necessary, especially if you do find something online that raises questions. It should be noted that you should never attempt to clean or care for your catheter on your own from something you find online. It would be in your best interest to talk with your nurse or doctor beforehand.

Be sure you properly follow the self-care steps you’ve been given by your doctor when caring for and cleaning your catheter. These instructions will help you to disinfect the catheter, as well as the drainage bag and the area around your catheter. Each and every part will need to be cleaned regularly.

There will be many small and large details you will need to pay close attention to in order to facilitate your best experience with catheter use. Write down pertinent information and be sure to ask questions if you are unsure of anything before you need to do this for yourself. This will reduce any unfortunate and avoidable accidents.

There is no problem with using information you find on the Internet, but you should never use this information about Urinary Catheter until you speak with your doctor. Even if the advice seems valid, there is always a chance it could put you in harm’s way. You don’t have any way of knowing if the person giving the advice is a doctor or just a person relaying his or her own experiences. You should consult a Medical Medicare Supplies provider for properly caring for your catheter is more than just keeping it clean, it’s about protecting yourself from infection.

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