Catheter-associated UTI
Key points
- Catherer-associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection such as a bladder infection that is associated with the use of catheters used to drain urine from the body.
- The presence of a catheter within the urinary tract increases the likelihood of urinary tract infection.
- * Often in an elderly person, mental changes or confusion are the only signs of a possible urinary tract infection.
- Mild cases of acute UTI may disappear spontaneously without treatment.
Alternative names
UTI - associated with a catheter; Urinary tract infection - associated with a catheter
Definition
Catherer-associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection such as a bladder infection that is associated with the use of catheters used to drain urine from the body.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The presence of a catheter within the urinary tract increases the likelihood of urinary tract infection. It may also increase the difficulty of treating the infection.
If a urinary catheter is left in place for long periods of time, bacteria will inevitably grow in it. A harmful infection may occur if the number of bacteria becomes large or if specific pathologic bacteria grow in the urinary tract.
Symptoms
- Pressure in the lower pelvis
- Abnormal urine color (cloudy urine)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Foul or strong urine odor
- Leakage of urine around the catheter
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Flank pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Mental changes or confusion *
* Often in an elderly person, mental changes or confusion are the only signs of a possible urinary tract infection.
Signs and tests
- A urinalysis commonly reveals white blood cells (WBCs) or red blood cells (RBCs).
- A urine culture maybe performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
Treatment
Mild cases of acute UTI may disappear spontaneously without treatment. However, because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys (complicated UTI), treatment is usually recommended. Also, due to the high mortality rate in the elderly population, prompt treatment is recommended.
In most cases, treatment can be done on an outpatient basis.
MEDICATIONS:
Antibiotics may be used to control the bacterial infection. It is imperative that you finish the entire course of prescribed antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics include:
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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