Limited Mobility and UTIs

Limited Mobility and UTIs

If you have mobility issues or are bedridden, following a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) for example, you may struggle with UTIs.

There are 3 common reasons people with limited mobility develop UTIs.

1. Most people lose normal urinary function after SCI. They need a bladder management option, such as a catheter, to empty the urine from their bladder to keep their bladder and kidneys healthy. Most bladder management options make it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder through the urethra.   Furthermore, intermittent catheterization increases the likelihood of introducing bacteria.
2. Most people lose normal bowel function after SCI and contact with stool is common during bowel management. UTIs are often caused when bacteria from stool gets into the bladder when the bladder is being emptied.
3. Once in the bladder, bacteria are hard to get rid of. People with normal bladder function can usually get rid of most bacteria by fully emptying their bladder when they urinate. However, many people with SCI can’t fully empty their bladder, even with good bladder management, allowing harmful bacteria to remain behind and cause infection.

Ways to Prevent Urinary Tract Issues Associated with Limited Mobility:

• Prevent your bladder from getting too full: Empty your bladder when needed and empty it completely each time. This will help to reduce your chances of developing two common problems that increase your risk for UTI.
• Stay hydrated:  Drink plenty of liquids, especially water (recommended 6-8 glasses of water daily) and drink alcohol and caffeinated drinks only in moderation.  Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
• Eat healthy and exercise. A healthy diet and exercise are two of the best ways for everyone with SCI to boost their immune system. A healthy immune system helps you to fight off infections.
• Maintain proper hygiene: Staying clean is a good way to prevent the spread of bacteria. Always wash and clean properly both before and after bladder and bowel management and after accidents.
• Watch for early signs of infection: You may notice warning signs before you start to experience symptoms of UTI. Early signs of infection include gritty sediment in the urine, mucus in the urine, and dark, cloudy, bad-smelling urine.
• Adopt infection control measures with catheter use: When a urinary catheter is being used, follow good infection prevention measures – your healthcare professional will be able to advise you on proper techniques.
• Consider adding URIEXO® to your daily routine: URIEXO® can aid in maintaining a healthy urinary tract & bladder.

 

Developing a daily routine with URIEXO® is the secret to maintaining a healthy urinary tract & bladder.

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