Blood in a catheter can happen for a few reasons, such as irritation, trauma during insertion, or an infection. Sometimes, it might simply be due to movement or pressure on the catheter, which can cause a small amount of bleeding
Here we will cover the common causes of blood in a catheter, symptoms to look out for, and tips to prevent and manage blood in catheter issues.
Key Takeaways
- Hematuria is blood in the urine, gross (visible) and microscopic (not visible), both a sign of a health issue.
- Causes of blood in a catheter include UTIs, improper technique, and friction injuries, all of which need to be addressed promptly.
- Preventative measures like hydrophilic catheters, proper technique, and good hygiene can reduce the risk of hematuria. This includes keeping catheter tubes and drainage bags clean to prevent infections and complications.
What is Hematuria?
Hematuria is blood in the urine and can be alarming when you see it, especially during catheterization. There are two types of hematuria: gross and microscopic.
Each has its own significance in diagnosis and treatment.
The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, and any disruption in this process can cause hematuria.
Visible to the naked eye, gross hematuria is a red tint in the urine that can range from a faint pinkish hue to bright red, depending on the amount of blood. This is obvious enough to raise immediate concern for your health. Microscopic hematuria is invisible to the naked eye but can mean serious underlying medical conditions despite being hidden.
Whether it’s obvious or requires testing, any blood in your urine needs attention.
Common Causes of Blood in Urinary Catheter
One common cause is urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause cloudy urine and an unpleasant odor and burning when you pee. Kidney infections can also be the culprit. These are often accompanied by fever and back pain and altered urine color.
Here are a few more:
- Improper catheterization techniques can damage the urinary tract.
- Using the wrong size catheter can cause abrasion and injury from friction.
- Blood clots come from various sources and can block the flow through a catheter.
- For new intermittent catheter users, rubbing against them can cause tiny tears in the urethra.
For those who use catheters regularly, it’s crucial to know the exact reason why there’s blood in their urine.
We’ve seen in our own experiences how many factors, from types of intermittents used to mannerisms while inserting them, can contribute to bloody discharges in your own pee!
Using the right-sized intermittents and mastering the insertion technique reduces hematuria greatly, being vigilant and seeking medical help when you first notice trouble helps small problems from becoming bigger over time too.
Symptoms
Blood in the urine can turn it red, pinkish, or cola-colored. Certain foods and medications can also cause similar color changes.
Watch out for:
- Burning sensation when you pee.
- New pain or discomfort in the lower back or abdominal area.
- Red spots or blood clots in the urine.
- Cloudy urine with an unpleasant odor, which means infection in the urinary tract.
- Fever and chills mean more serious infection.
Monitoring these signs is key to getting medical help on time. Detecting and addressing issues early on may prevent health complications like prostate cancer from developing.
If you see any of these symptoms, consult a doctor so they can determine the exact issue and recommend treatment.
Post-Catheterization Hematuria
Blood in the urine after catheterization is called post-catheterization hematuria. This can be caused by infections in the urinary tract or injury to the urethra due to catheter related abrasion.
Catheters can cause minor lacerations in the urethral lining due to friction, which causes bleeding. Notable causes:
- Catheter movement and small tears.
- Inexperienced people using improper techniques during insertion.
- Non-hydrophilic catheters that don’t reduce friction.
Proper handling of the catheter tube is key to avoiding injuries that can cause hematuria.
If you or someone you know is experiencing heavy bleeding, discomfort, or blood clots after catheterization, seek medical help right away.
Insider Tips: Use hydrophilic-coated catheters for their lubricating effect to reduce urethral trauma and decrease chances of bloody urine (hematuria). Beginners should get instructions on how to insert a catheter.
12 Ways to Prevent Hematuria
To avert hematuria, it’s preferable to focus on prevention rather than dealing with its occurrence. Adopt these 12 proactive strategies.
- Use hydrophilic catheters to reduce friction and prevent injuries.
- Use the right size of catheter to minimize urethral trauma.
- Lubricate the catheter before insertion for easy entry.
- Drink plenty of water daily to facilitate urine flow and smooth catheter smooth operation.
- Hydration prevents complications. Drink more often.
- Insert the catheter gently to avoid harm or injury.
- Practice catheter handling to reduce hematuria.
- Inspect and eplace all catheter-related equipment when necessary and keep it clean and working.
- Keep the area where you insert your device clean by practicing good hygiene.
- Use mild soap and water, not harsh chemicals, when cleaning around your medical device.
- Make sure the catheter can drain urine to prevent hematuria.
- Seeing blood around the catheter during bowel movement is normal, but monitor it.
Follow these and you’ll minimize hematuria.
Take care to keep yourself moist. Simple yet effective ways to prevent unexpected problems with usage. Do it regularly, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve taken care of the common problems that come with daily use.
Managing Blood in Catheter
A catheter needs to be managed when there’s blood in your urine. If you see blood in the urine or a blockage in the catheter, seek medical help immediately.
Any urine leakage around the catheter is a sign of obstruction and needs medical attention.
Also check and maintain drainage bags regularly to ensure smooth urine flow and prevent complications.
Guidelines for managing this include:
- No obstruction to the catheter’s function.
- Monitor urine flow from your body.
- Keep the catheter and collection bags clean.
- Replace all catheter parts on time to prevent obstruction and infection.
In cases where there’s no drainage from your device for 4-6 hours, seek professional help immediately.
Timely response is key to prevent serious problems and to ensure proper function so fluid can flow through the device.
Maintenance means frequent inspection and strict hygiene when dealing with a urinal conduit. Using sterilized plastic bags and making sure none of the tubes carrying liquid waste are kinked is important to prevent obstruction and fluid flow.
With these practices in mind, regular check on tubing for draining excess body fluids is necessary to keep it working.
Proper Catheter Care
Take care of your catheters to prevent serious problems like UTI. UTIs can occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through indwelling catheters, which is a common complication of catheter use.
Cleaning around where the catheter enters your body can prevent infections and skin problems.
For good hygiene, clean the area where the catheter exits your body daily with soap and water without tugging or pulling it, starting from the insertion site and going outwards. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your catheter.
By hanging the drainage bag below your waist, you ensure continuous flow and prevent urine backflow that can cause infections.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you have heavy bleeding, blood clots, or blood in your urine, seek medical help immediately.
Using a night bag is important to prevent overfilling and ensure proper urine drainage during sleep.
If you have severe or frequent bladder spasms, get a doctor’s advice. If your catheter is dislodged and you don’t know how to reinsert it properly, seek emergency care.
Act fast and get medical help to prevent complications and get the right treatment for these symptoms. Don’t delay if you see any warning signs.
Final Thoughts
So that’s it. Hematuria can be visible or microscopic and requires immediate attention and meticulous care. Early detection of symptoms, preventing hematuria by using the right methods, and managing complications well can greatly improve patient outcomes.
Having the right catheter equipment handy is important to manage and prevent blood in catheters.
Follow the above tips and advice.
