Essential Things You Need To Know About Urinary Catheters
Essential things you need to know about urinary catheters A urinary catheter is a hollow tube that is partially flexible and is used for collecting urine from the bladder and directing it towards an attached drainage bag. They are available in different shapes and sizes. Urinary catheters are required for patients who are unable to empty their bladder due to some medical conditions. If the bladder isn’t emptied, then urine can accumulate in the kidneys. If this goes on for a prolonged period, then it can lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys. Fortunately, in most cases, catheters are only used for a short time until the patient regains the ability to urinate by themselves. However, seniors or individuals with serious physical injuries or illnesses may have to use urinary catheters for a long time or permanently. Keep reading to know more about a urinary catheter, its uses, types, and more. What can cause urinary complications? The following medical conditions can affect one’s urinary functions: Prostate gland surgery Surgery in the genital area such as hysterectomy or hip fracture Blocked urine flow which can be a result of kidney or bladder stones, blood clots in the urine, or enlargement of the prostate gland Injuries to the spinal cord or bladder nerves Spina bifida or neural tube defect (developmental defect in babies) Dementia, a mental condition that can impair one’s cognitive functions Certain types of medications, especially that can affect the bladder muscles’ functions which can restrict the urine movement When do doctors prescribe urinary catheters?