BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCatheter-related UTIUTI - catheter associated; Urinary tract infection - catheter associated; Nosocomial UTI; Health care-associated UTI; Catheter-associated bacteriuria; Hospital-acquired UTIA urinary catheter is a tube in your bladder that removes urine from the body. This tube may stay in place for an extended period of time. If so, it is called an indwelling catheter. The urine drains from your bladder into a bag outside your body.Indwelling catheterA urinary catheter is a tube placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder.Read Article Now Book Mark Article When you have an indwelling urinary catheter, you are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) in your bladder or kidneys. Causes Many types of bacteria or fungi can cause a catheter-related UTI. This type of UTI is harder to treat with common antibiotics.Common reasons to have an indwelling catheter are:Urine leakage (incontinence) IncontinenceStress urinary incontinence occurs when your bladder leaks urine during physical activity or exertion. It may happen when you cough, sneeze, lift so...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Not being able to empty your bladder Surgery on your bladder, prostate, or vagina During a hospital stay, you may have an indwelling catheter:Right after any type of surgery If you are unable to urinate If the amount of urine you produce needs to be monitored If you are very ill and cannot control your urine Symptoms Some of the common symptoms are:Abnormal urine color or cloudy urine Abnormal urine colorThe usual color of urine is straw-yellow. Abnormally-colored urine may be cloudy, dark, or blood-colored.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood in the urine (hematuria) Blood in the urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HematuriaBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foul or strong urine odor Frequent and strong urge to urinate Pressure, pain, or spasms in your back or the lower part of your bellyOther symptoms that may occur with a UTI:Chills Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Flank pain Flank painFlank pain is pain in one side of the body between the upper belly area (abdomen) and the back.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mental changes or confusion (these may be the only signs of a UTI in an older person)Mental changesConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Urine tests will check for infection:Urinalysis may show white blood cells (WBCs) or red blood cells (RBCs). UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine culture can help determine the type of bacteria in the urine. This will help your health care provider decide on the best antibiotic to use. Urine cultureA urine culture is a lab test to check for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample. It can be used to check for a urinary tract infection in adults...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may recommend:Ultrasound of the abdomen or pelvis CT exam of the abdomen or pelvis Treatment People with an indwelling catheter will often have an abnormal urinalysis and culture from urine in the bag. But even if these tests are abnormal, you may not have a UTI. This fact makes it harder for your provider to choose whether to treat you.If you also have symptoms of a UTI, your provider will likely treat you with antibiotics.If you do not have symptoms, your provider will treat you with antibiotics only if:You are pregnant You are undergoing a procedure related to urinary tractMost of the time, you can take antibiotics by mouth. It is very important to take all of the prescribed pills, even if you feel better before you finish them. If your infection is more severe, you may receive medicine into the vein. You may also receive medicine to lessen bladder spasms.You will need more fluids to help flush bacteria out of your bladder. If you are treating yourself at home, this may mean drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. You should ask your provider how much fluid is safe for you. Avoid fluids that may irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, and drinks that contain caffeine.After you have finished your treatment, you may have another urine test. This test will make sure the germs are gone.Your catheter will need to be changed when you have a UTI. If you have many UTIs, your provider may remove the catheter. The provider may also: Ask you to insert a urine catheter intermittently so you don't keep one in all the time Suggest other urine collection devices Suggest surgery so you do not need a catheter Use a special coated catheter that can reduce risk of infection Prescribe a low-dose antibiotic or other antibacterial for you to take every dayThis can help prevent bacteria from growing in your catheter. Outlook (Prognosis) UTIs related to catheters can be harder to treat than other UTIs. Having many infections over time may lead to kidney damage or kidney stones and bladder stones.Untreated UTI may develop kidney damage or more severe infections. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have: Any symptoms of a UTI Back or flank pain Flank painFlank pain is pain in one side of the body between the upper belly area (abdomen) and the back.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article VomitingVomitingNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention If you have an indwelling catheter, you must do these things to help prevent infection:You must do these things to help preven...You have an indwelling catheter (tube) in your bladder. "Indwelling" means inside your body. This catheter drains urine from your bladder into a ba...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Clean around the catheter opening every day. Clean the catheter with soap and water every day. Clean your rectal area thoroughly after every bowel movement. Keep your drainage bag lower than your bladder. This prevents the urine in the bag from going back into your bladder. Empty the drainage bag at least once every 8 hours, or whenever it is full. Empty the drainage bagUrine drainage bags collect urine. Your bag will attach to a catheter (tube) that is inside your bladder. You may have a catheter and urine drainag...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Have your indwelling catheter changed at least once a month. Wash your hands before and after you touch your urine.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). www.cdc.gov/hai/ca_uti/uti.html. Updated October 16, 2015. Accessed August 23, 2022.Jacob JM, Sundaram CP. Lower urinary tract catheterization. Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 11.Nicolle LE, Drekonja D. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 268.Trautner BW, Hooton TM. Health care-associated urinary tract infections. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 302.AllVideoImagesTogBladder catheterization - female - illustration A catheter (a hollow tube, often with an inflatable balloon tip) may be inserted into the urinary bladder when there is a urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time.Bladder catheterization - femaleillustrationBladder catheterization - male - illustration Catheterization is accomplished by inserting a catheter (a hollow tube, often with and inflatable balloon tip) into the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed for urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time. Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra.Bladder catheterization - maleillustrationBladder catheterization - female - illustration A catheter (a hollow tube, often with an inflatable balloon tip) may be inserted into the urinary bladder when there is a urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time.Bladder catheterization - femaleillustrationBladder catheterization - male - illustration Catheterization is accomplished by inserting a catheter (a hollow tube, often with and inflatable balloon tip) into the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed for urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, or other reasons), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. The balloon holds the catheter in place for a duration of time. Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra.Bladder catheterization - maleillustrationA Closer Look Urinary tract infection - InDepth(In-Depth)Related Information Urinary tract infection - adults(Condition)Urinary tract infection - children(Condition)Urinary tract infection - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/10/2022 Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Catheter-related UTIUTI - catheter associated; Urinary tract infection - catheter associated; Nosocomial UTI; Health care-associated UTI; Catheter-associated bacteriuria; Hospital-acquired UTIA urinary catheter is a tube in your bladder that removes urine from the body. This tube may stay in place for an extended period of time. If so, it is called an indwelling catheter. The urine drains from your bladder into a bag outside your body.Indwelling catheterA urinary catheter is a tube placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder.Read Article Now Book Mark Article When you have an indwelling urinary catheter, you are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) in your bladder or kidneys. Causes Many types of bacteria or fungi can cause a catheter-related UTI. This type of UTI is harder to treat with common antibiotics.Common reasons to have an indwelling catheter are:Urine leakage (incontinence) IncontinenceStress urinary incontinence occurs when your bladder leaks urine during physical activity or exertion. It may happen when you cough, sneeze, lift so...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Not being able to empty your bladder Surgery on your bladder, prostate, or vagina During a hospital stay, you may have an indwelling catheter:Right after any type of surgery If you are unable to urinate If the amount of urine you produce needs to be monitored If you are very ill and cannot control your urine Symptoms Some of the common symptoms are:Abnormal urine color or cloudy urine Abnormal urine colorThe usual color of urine is straw-yellow. Abnormally-colored urine may be cloudy, dark, or blood-colored.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood in the urine (hematuria) Blood in the urineBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HematuriaBlood in your urine is called hematuria. The amount may be very small and only detected with urine tests or under a microscope. In other cases, the...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foul or strong urine odor Frequent and strong urge to urinate Pressure, pain, or spasms in your back or the lower part of your bellyOther symptoms that may occur with a UTI:Chills Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Flank pain Flank painFlank pain is pain in one side of the body between the upper belly area (abdomen) and the back.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mental changes or confusion (these may be the only signs of a UTI in an older person)Mental changesConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Urine tests will check for infection:Urinalysis may show white blood cells (WBCs) or red blood cells (RBCs). UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine culture can help determine the type of bacteria in the urine. This will help your health care provider decide on the best antibiotic to use. Urine cultureA urine culture is a lab test to check for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample. It can be used to check for a urinary tract infection in adults...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your provider may recommend:Ultrasound of the abdomen or pelvis CT exam of the abdomen or pelvis Treatment People with an indwelling catheter will often have an abnormal urinalysis and culture from urine in the bag. But even if these tests are abnormal, you may not have a UTI. This fact makes it harder for your provider to choose whether to treat you.If you also have symptoms of a UTI, your provider will likely treat you with antibiotics.If you do not have symptoms, your provider will treat you with antibiotics only if:You are pregnant You are undergoing a procedure related to urinary tractMost of the time, you can take antibiotics by mouth. It is very important to take all of the prescribed pills, even if you feel better before you finish them. If your infection is more severe, you may receive medicine into the vein. You may also receive medicine to lessen bladder spasms.You will need more fluids to help flush bacteria out of your bladder. If you are treating yourself at home, this may mean drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. You should ask your provider how much fluid is safe for you. Avoid fluids that may irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, and drinks that contain caffeine.After you have finished your treatment, you may have another urine test. This test will make sure the germs are gone.Your catheter will need to be changed when you have a UTI. If you have many UTIs, your provider may remove the catheter. The provider may also: Ask you to insert a urine catheter intermittently so you don't keep one in all the time Suggest other urine collection devices Suggest surgery so you do not need a catheter Use a special coated catheter that can reduce risk of infection Prescribe a low-dose antibiotic or other antibacterial for you to take every dayThis can help prevent bacteria from growing in your catheter. Outlook (Prognosis) UTIs related to catheters can be harder to treat than other UTIs. Having many infections over time may lead to kidney damage or kidney stones and bladder stones.Untreated UTI may develop kidney damage or more severe infections. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have: Any symptoms of a UTI Back or flank pain Flank painFlank pain is pain in one side of the body between the upper belly area (abdomen) and the back.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article VomitingVomitingNausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention If you have an indwelling catheter, you must do these things to help prevent infection:You must do these things to help preven...You have an indwelling catheter (tube) in your bladder. "Indwelling" means inside your body. This catheter drains urine from your bladder into a ba...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Clean around the catheter opening every day. Clean the catheter with soap and water every day. Clean your rectal area thoroughly after every bowel movement. Keep your drainage bag lower than your bladder. This prevents the urine in the bag from going back into your bladder. Empty the drainage bag at least once every 8 hours, or whenever it is full. Empty the drainage bagUrine drainage bags collect urine. Your bag will attach to a catheter (tube) that is inside your bladder. You may have a catheter and urine drainag...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Have your indwelling catheter changed at least once a month. Wash your hands before and after you touch your urine.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). www.cdc.gov/hai/ca_uti/uti.html. Updated October 16, 2015. Accessed August 23, 2022.Jacob JM, Sundaram CP. Lower urinary tract catheterization. Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 11.Nicolle LE, Drekonja D. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 268.Trautner BW, Hooton TM. Health care-associated urinary tract infections. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 302.