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Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) information

Introduction

On this page you will find information on a Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), including signs and symptoms, prevention and when to seek medical advice.

 

Please remember

Most bladder and bowel problems can be cured or greatly improved by simple treatments. By following the healthy bladder and bowel habits, you will be halfway to solving your problem.

Our focus is on continence not incontinence.

A catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is caused by bacteria getting into your urethra or bladder, usually from your gut or through incorrect management of your urinary catheter.

Individuals who have a catheter inserted are at a greater risk of developing urinary tract infections.

  • Haematuria: Blood in your urine
  • Suprapubic pain: Pain in your lower tummy
  • Strong odour
  • Cloudy urine
  • High temperature

 

If you have a confirmed CAUTI and have been started on antibiotics, please ensure you contact the staff who change your catheter for them to change it within 72 hours of you starting antibiotics.

  • Avoid disconnecting your leg bag or catheter valve – if it does become disconnected always replace with a new product.
  • Avoid changing your leg bag/catheter valve more frequently than every five to seven days.
  • Avoid using catheter maintenance solutions.
  • Never attach a disposable night bag directly to the catheter

Drink enough fluids to make sure your urine does not become concentrated.

For those individuals with a vagina

  • Wipe from front (vagina) to back (bottom) when you go to the toilet.
  • Go for a wee after having sex to flush out any bacteria that may be near the opening to the urethra.
  • If you have a recurrent UTI, also consider the following.
  • After the menopause: You could consider topical hormonal treatment, for example, vaginal creams.

For those individuals with a penis

Pull back the foreskin and clean daily in order to prevent a build-up of bacteria.

Cranberry products: Some individuals find these effective, but there is currently little evidence to support this.

The following symptoms are possible signs of serious infection and urgent medical advice should be sought.

  • You have shivering, chills, and muscle pain.
  • You feel confused or are very drowsy.
  • You have not passed urine all day.
  • You are vomiting.
  • You see blood in your urine.
  • Your temperature is above 38C or less than 36C.
  • You have kidney pain in your back just under the ribs.
  • Your symptoms get worse.
  • Your symptoms are not starting to improve a little within 48 hours of taking antibiotics.

Your hospital nurse, district Nurse, GP or another health and social care professional can refer you to our service. Or, you can refer yourself by contacting us directly:

Email: SBU.ComunityHealthyBladderandBowelService@wales.nhs.uk

Tel: 01792 532424

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.