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What Causes Frequent Clogging Of Bladder Catheter?
My 49 yr. old quadriplegic son has a Bladder tube (supra pubic) for about 5 years now. He also has a TBI and cannot urinate on his own. In the past 6 months the tube has to be changed every week and sometimes 2 x a week due to it becoming clogged with sediment and crystals. The tube gets flushed every am to make sure it s not clogged. He gets many UTI s even though he does drink alot of water to help prevent this problem. He is becoming immune to antibiotics, so they try not to use them unless absolutely necessary. How can we prevent this problem. He s been to a urologist for this problem and he is using a large Foley tube. Any suggestions? Thank you, MaryAnn Paradise
Tue, 30 Mar 2021
Hi,
To prevent the frequent clogging of bladder catheter, a few points may be of importance:
1. Check your underwear - Tight or snug undergarments can block the urine flow; always wear loose undergarments
2. Check, if the urinary bag or catheter has some kink, if it is so, remove it
3. Take care that level of urinary bag should be at a lower level than the level of your bladder while sitting or lying down
4. Take care that you drink adequate liquids to keep the flow of urine
5. Avoid alcohol, as it may be dehydrating
6. Avoid acidic juices and caffeine, it can make the urine more acidic.
Any ph of urine below 6.7 increases the chances of encrustation of urine and hence, more chances of obstruction.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
To prevent the frequent clogging of bladder catheter, a few points may be of importance:
1. Check your underwear - Tight or snug undergarments can block the urine flow; always wear loose undergarments
2. Check, if the urinary bag or catheter has some kink, if it is so, remove it
3. Take care that level of urinary bag should be at a lower level than the level of your bladder while sitting or lying down
4. Take care that you drink adequate liquids to keep the flow of urine
5. Avoid alcohol, as it may be dehydrating
6. Avoid acidic juices and caffeine, it can make the urine more acidic.
Any ph of urine below 6.7 increases the chances of encrustation of urine and hence, more chances of obstruction.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
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