Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI): Risks & Prevention

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, urinary tract infections affect millions of people every year. If you require the use of a catheter, you are at an increased risk of developing one.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enters your urinary tract. Symptoms include discolored urine, painful urination and the urge to urinate frequently.

Catheter

• A catheter is a tube that can be inserted into your urethra and bladder. It is used to drain urine from your bladder when you are not able to urinate normally. Having a catheter increases the chance bacteria will enter your urinary tract and cause an infection.

Prevention/Solution

• Catheter related urinary tract infections can be prevented by leaving the catheter in place for as little time as possible and taking care to keep the catheter clean.

Treatment

• Treatment for a urinary tract infection that is catheter related begins with a course of antibiotics.

Considerations

• Catheter related urinary tract infections can reoccur. Your doctor could prescribe a low dose antibiotic at a daily dose to help prevent this.