2026-03-16
Problems that may occur during intermittent catheterization and corresponding solutions
Intermittent catheterization is the gold standard for emptying the bladder in patients with neurogenic bladder, and it is simple to operate and easy to master. However, during the process of intermittent catheterization, some abnormal situations may occur. The specific ones are as follows.
1. Unable to insert the urinary catheter:
1.1 Do not forcefully insert the catheter. If you are unable to perform intermittent catheterization on your own, seek medical attention immediately. Difficulty in inserting the catheter could also be due to insufficient lubrication. Try applying more lubricant and then slowly attempt to insert it again.
1.2 If the catheter gets stuck when passing through the sphincter, let it stay there for a moment. Wait until your sphincter relaxes and opens. Deep breathing and coughing can be helpful. If there is still resistance, take a break. After a few minutes, try again with a new catheter.
1.3 Scar tissue may make it difficult to insert the catheter. If you frequently encounter problems when inserting the catheter, seek help from a doctor.
2. Blood in Urine:
If there is blood in the catheter or urine, it may indicate a damaged urethra. If there is only a little blood, drink more water and set up a schedule for intermittent catheterization. If the bleeding continues or there is a lot of blood, seek medical attention immediately. Remember that certain foods can also cause the urine to turn pink or red.
3. Bladder Infection:
The most common symptom of a bladder infection is pain during urination. After spinal cord injury, you may not feel the pain. A bladder infection can make you feel unwell, cause headaches, and potentially lead to muscle spasms. Cloudy and foul-smelling urine could be a sign of infection. If you have symptoms of an infection, please seek medical attention for examination.
4. Autonomic Nervous System Reflex Abnormality (AD):
One of the main causes of AD is a full bladder. Intestinal distension or skin problems can also lead to AD. If you have spinal cord injury at the T6 level or above, you are at risk of AD. AD is a dangerous increase in blood pressure and is a medical emergency. If your blood pressure rises by 20-40 mmHg and is accompanied by symptoms, you have AD and need immediate treatment. If not treated promptly, it can lead to stroke, epilepsy and death.
If you have the following symptoms of AD, you should empty your bladder as soon as possible: severe headache, nasal congestion, sweating or flushing of the face, blurred vision, goosebumps, spots in front of the eyes, increased muscle spasms, nausea, metallic taste in the mouth, breathing difficulty, anxiety, and bradycardia.
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