Proper catheter care is essential to prevent infection and complications. Most complications occur due to poor care.
Daily Rules:
- Hygiene: Wash around the catheter opening with water and mild soap twice daily.
- Cleaning direction: Front to back in women — to prevent bacterial transfer.
- Urine bag: Always keep it below bladder level — to prevent urine backflow.
- Emptying the bag: When two-thirds full — don't wait until full. Empty into toilet.
- Don't pull: Secure the catheter to the thigh with tape — pulling causes pain and injury.
Fluid Intake:
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily — flushes the bladder and prevents blockage.
- Cranberry juice — may reduce urinary infections.
When to Call the Doctor:
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Blood in urine.
- Temperature above 38°C.
- Abdominal or back pain.
- Catheter not draining urine for more than 4 hours.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we teach you and your family proper catheter care.