Urinary catheters are used on patients experiencing urinary complications. Although mostly used on the elderly, these devices have been used on people of all ages. There are several different types of catheters, but all of them are made of hollow flexible tubing. The tubing is used along with a drainage bag to collect urine from the bladder. Let’s take a look at the basics of catheters, and why Catheters in Minneapolis may be used.
Catheters are used by doctors on patients who are unable to naturally empty their bladder. These complications could be brought on by a number of reasons (i.e. urinary blood clots, bladder stones, etc.). If the bladder is unable to be emptied naturally, it begins to build up in the person’s body. This build up begins to put a lot of excess pressure on the kidneys similar to the pain you feel when holding your urine for a long period of time. The body’s kidneys aren’t built to handle this type of excess pressure. This could lead to the kidneys being permanently damaged, and could cause them to fail.
Often times these urinary complications only last for a short amount of time. Doctors may use the Catheters in Minneapolis to help their patients until they’re able to control their urine like normal. In other cases, patients may never be able to fully regain the control they once had, and as a result the catheters stay in much longer.
There are usually two reasons why your doctor may recommend that you have catheters installed. The first reason will likely be due to “urinary incontinence.” This condition results in a patient uncontrollably leaking urine from time to time. “Urinary retention” is another condition many catheter candidates have. This condition causes the patient to be unable to urinate at all, which is what causes urine to build up and put pressure on the kidneys.
Both urinary incontinence and urinary retention could be brought on by old age, bladder nerve problems, certain medications, and even dementia. If you are experiencing either of these problems, and your doctor suggests the use of a catheter, consider visiting 4 Day Medical Store. There you’ll find medical supplies you and your doctor may be able to use to help your condition.