What are the risks and side effects of using urinary catheters?
Potential complications include discomfort, infection, tissue injury, and restrictions on activities. Different methods carry different patterns of risk.
UTIs affect the bladder, kidneys, or connecting urinary passages and are common after SCI. An infection in the kidneys differs from one limited to the bladder.
What do urinary tract infections look and feel like?
Symptoms may include fever, urinary changes, increased spasms, or autonomic dysreflexia; seek clinical assessment for suspected infection. Reduced sensation can make typical urinary symptoms harder to recognize.
Microorganisms cause infection; altered bladder function and catheter use can increase risk. Bacteria are the most common cause, although other organisms can also be responsible.
Diagnosis combines symptoms, examination, and urine testing rather than relying on bacteria alone. People with SCI may have bacteria in urine without a symptomatic infection.
Diagnosis combines symptoms, examination, and urine testing rather than relying on bacteria alone. People with SCI may have bacteria in urine without a symptomatic infection.
Clinicians select antibiotics according to individual circumstances and infection characteristics. Severe infections may require treatment through an intravenous line.
