Preventing a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What is a Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enters your urinary tract (bladder, ureters urethra and kidneys) and multiply. If it is not treated a UTI can cause kidney damage or urosepsis (a type of sepsis that begins in your urinary tract).

What are the signs and symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

The NHS list symptoms of a UTI as:

• pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
• needing to pee more often than usual
• needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
• needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
• pee that looks cloudy
• blood in your pee
• lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
• a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
• a very low temperature below 36C

Preventions if you have an indwelling catheter fitted

Having an indwelling catheter fitted increases your risk of a UTI. You can reduce your risk of an infection by:

• Maintaining adequate daily hygiene, especially around the catheter site
• Maintaining a closed urinary drainage system – ensuring the connection between the catheter and drainage bag remains unbroken
• Keep the catheter bag positioned below bladder level
• Ensure whoever is providing catheter care washes their hands and wears a new pair of gloves. Always wash your own hands before and after emptying and/or changing your catheter bag.

Preventions if you use intermittent self catheterisation (ISC)

Whilst ISC carries less risk of infection compared to indwelling catheters, there is still a risk but, again, this risk can be reduced:

• Good hygiene is essential. Always wash your hands with mild soap and water before and after catheterisation.
• Stick to your routine. Don’t be tempted to reduces the frequency in which you perform ISC. Ensuring your bladder is emptied regularly can reduce the risk of bacteria build up. If the amounts you are draining significantly increase or decrease, please have a discussion with your HCP.
• Adopt a “non-touch technique” – by not touching the catheter directly reduces the potential for external contamination and bacteria to be introduced to the urinary tract. Certain catheters come with a non-touch sleeve or slider that can be used to insert the catheter.
• Do not re-use a single-use catheter. Ensure you dispose of your catheter after use and use a sterile, new catheter next time.

Regardless of whether you perform ISC or have an indwelling catheter in situ, you can also reduce your risk of a urinary tract infection by staying hydrated and avoiding drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, fizzy drinks and caffeine.