How do I treat catheter infection?

Treatment of catheter infection is relatively simple as soon as the bacteria cause infection. These types of infections are common when the catheter is in place, especially if it is long -term. Usually, the infection is not treated unless the patient is symptoms and is then treated with a number of antibiotics, depending on what type of bacteria is present.

More than one type of bacteria can cause a problem, so a urine sample is removed and tested to determine the right antibiotics. In order to help flush the bladder bacteria, fluids should be increased to support frequent urination. People with a catheter with excess, which means a catheter that remains inside the body for urine drainage, can have bacteria in urine and without symptoms. These patients are not usually treated for infection. Especially older people with indwelling catheter can experience mental confusion as the only indication of infection. There may also be fatigue, chills and vomiting.

Although the catheter infection is particularly possible when the catheter is placed inward for a long time, there are several preventive measures that can be taken to reduce risk. Experts advise that preventive measures can be largely unsuccessful. The catheters should change once a month and emptied the catheter bag at least every eight hours. The drainage bag of the catheter must be maintained at the level under the bladder to prevent urine backup, and good hygiene is essential.

Further preventive measures may include fluid reduction that can irritate the bladder such as citrus juice, alcohol and caffeine. It is believed that cranberry juice helps prevent catheter infection or urinary tract infection. Preventive antibiotics are discussed by age - because infection can be caused by so many different organisms, it is not possible to predict which antibiotic is needed. In addition, preventive antibiotics are assumed to support antibio -resistant bacteriatika.

For those who deal with catheters, whether they are a necessity, whether short or long -term, good practices for hand washing. When changing or inserting the catheter, sterile techniques should be followed to reduce the risk of catheter infection. Estality attention is required to identify the symptoms of infection and immediate steps to take. An untreated symptomatic catheter infection can lead to more serious problems such as kidney infection.