We know catheters become necessary in cases where someone is unable to empty their bladder. These hollow and partially flexible tubes are used to not let urine build up in the body and create pressure in the kidneys. Made of either rubber, plastic or silicone, these tubes can either be used for a short period of time or for longer or permanent basis, depending on the medical conditions.
The good thing is, most catheters are used for a short period of time till patients regain the ability to urinate on their own. They may be required for much longer with elderly people or with those plagued with injury or severe illnesses. A doctor recommends the catheter when someone can’t control when to urinate, or have urinary retention or is faced with the problem of urinary incontinence.
Risks of catheters and ways to mitigate them
Although catheters are among the most common medical tools for treatment, they carry certain risks to patients. They are largely safe yet need care to deliver great results to patients. The risks attached with them have to be known so that patients can be avoid being in trouble ever.
Here are the risks and ways to deal with them –
- Patients may be prone to allergic reaction due to the material of the catheter, such as latex
- Cases are found where the tubes have led to bladder stones and blood in the urine
- Prolonged use may lead to injury to the urethra and in some case, damage to the kidney
- Infection of the urinary tract may happen when these tubes are used on a long-term basis
- Regular cleaning and sanitization is important to avoid complications and medical hazards associated with catheter use
- A good number of complications caused by catheters are actually associated with the level of hygiene and care or lack of it with the device
- Urinary tract infection is the result of poor catheter sanitization and it may also lead to localized irritation
- Urethra damage can be caused in cases where the insertion process lacks order and done frequently
- Utmost care is needed in performing a catheter insertion and not doing the same may lead to serious damage to urethra
- Being exposed to latex for long periods can develop allergic reaction to patients so that target should be to try some other materials
- Patients can also space out the exposure level to minimize the risks associated with latex material
- You have to consult the doctor and then buy nelaton catheter as long-term uses and their risks can’t be avoided
- Serious problems to the bladder and the urinary tract, including cancers, are reported in some cases where catheters are used for a long time
- Patients need to be in touch with the doctors so that they can understand any complications by the use of the tubes
- Taking proper hygiene with the catheter system will help reduce most risks with the device
- Care with the use of the tubes can keep patients away from most complications or either serous or mild nature