Bard Catheter for Immediate Relief From Overflow Incontinence

It is usually the elderly people who are prone to develop the problem of 'overflow incontinence' consequent upon the enlargement of their prostrate glands. It so happens that when the prostrate gland (which encircles the urethra at the outlet of the bladder) gets enlarged, it depresses the urethra and thus hinders the free outflow of urine from the urethra. As the obstruction becomes more acute, a condition develops in which not all of the urine is emptied from the bladder at the time of voiding. When such a condition of obstruction progresses, there comes a time when the person can no longer empty his bladder at all. The bladder continues to fill, producing distention and considerable discomfort. This type of complete urinary retention constitutes an emergency. A bard catheter is, therefore, inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain away the impounded urine and thereby provide immediate relief to the patient from an otherwise grave situation.

Self-catheterization:

In an emergency situation, when the availability of a doctor or trained professional poses another problem, it is possible to use the catheter by yourself to draw out the accumulated urine from the bladder. However, the following things must be procured before beginning the operation:

i) A bard catheter-it is available in both latex and non-latex variety because some people are allergic to latex.
ii) Drainage bag-for receiving the urine drawn from the bladder.
iii) Sterile lubricant-for lubricating the tip end of the catheter.
iv) Elastic leg strap-for strapping the drainage bag to your leg.
v) Genital cleansing solution.
vi) Irrigation syringe-for filling the balloon at the tip of the catheter with distilled water.

Anti-bacterial soap, medical tape, paper towels and sterile gloves may also be kept handy.

Step by step procedure:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap.
2. Dry your hands with clean towel and put on the sterile gloves.
3. Fill the irrigation syringe with 10 cc of distilled water for later use.
4. Lubricate the tip of the catheter to a few inches below-with sterile lubricant.
5. Get yourself comfortably seated. Note that you should be able to spread your legs with ease.
6. Clean your genital area meticulously with genital cleansing solution.
7. You may then start inserting the catheter into your urethra-gently and slowly.
8. When the catheter has reached the outlet of the bladder (sometimes called the neck of the bladder), you may then inject distilled water into the small tube at the upper end (which is also the drainage end) of the catheter. This is to inflate the balloon at the tip of the catheter. The inflated balloon is meant to keep the catheter firmly in place.
9. Gently tape the upper end of the catheter to your body so that any unnecessary movement may be avoided.
10. Attach the drainage bag to the upper end of the catheter and strap it to your leg with the help of the elastic strap.

Post-insertion Precautionary Measures:

It is advisable for those using bard catheters to ensure sufficient intake of water or fruit juices daily. Minimum 8 ounces of water - every 2 to 3 hours is recommended. Sufficient daily intake of fluids is essential for: making the urine dilute and keeping the catheter drained at all times. Catheter users are also advised to avoid taking Tea, Coffee, Alcohol, and even soft drinks-as these drinks might irritate the bladder and aggravate the situation.

Looking for high quality, reliable and affordable incontinence products or bard catheters? Look no further! Our top quality products are simply perfect for everyone.

Incontinence and Adult Nappy Rash

It's not something generally discussed openly, but dealing with incontinence is a serious issue for millions of people. If you do suffer from the condition you will often wear incontinence products such as pads or diapers (nappies), and while they are good at containing the problem, their use can lead to uncomfortable rashes and in severe cases, sores. There are, however, some simple ways to minimise the problem, and when it does occur, to treat the rash.

Nappy rash is a form of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that occurs when the skin is in contact with urine or feces for any length of time. It can also lead to a nasty cycle of increasing problems as keeping skin too moist also reduces its' effectiveness as a barrier, and so is more likely to allow other bacterial and fungal infections attack the afflicted area, leading to more sores and discomfort. Dealing with what may at first seem a mild case of rash quickly is crucial to preventing other problems from developing which may need antibiotics or anti-fungal medicines to treat them. Signs of bacterial infections include tiny blisters and pustules that easily break all around the affected area. Signs of yeast and fungal infections are bright red skin with 'satellite' sores at the edges of the irritated area.

The key to preventing and treating a rash is that the underlying "dermal" layer of skin must be moist but the outer layer, the epidermis, must remain dry. So the sufferer must be drinking enough to keep themselves well hydrated - a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day - but also be helped with a good regime of skincare for the affected area. This should include:

Use the best incontinence pads or diapers you can. The lower the quality of the incontinence product, the less it will be able to absorb and keep moisture away from the skin.
Change the incontinence pad or nappy regularly. How long you should go between changes will depend on the quality of the pads and the severity of the incontinence, but the general rule is if you can feel wetness on the skin, change.
When cleaning the skin between changes, avoid rubbing and friction. Use a softly woven cloth or skin wipe and pat the area rather than rub it. Take a couple of minutes to soak the skin clean by laying a cloth gently on the affected area, and then pat it dry. Use warm water rather than hot and if the person is having a bath, keep it short so the skin doesn't get too "clammy".
Use a soap or cleaner that has an acidity level (pH) close to the 5.5 pH of normal skin. If you're unsure about this ask a chemist to recommend a good product.
Once you have cleaned the area, use emollients and skin agents that soften and soothe the skin but that don't add excess water to the skin, which has already been damaged from excess moisture. Again seek advice from a chemist or healthcare professional on the best products to use.
Cover the area lightly with a sheet, but don't replace the incontinence pads for a time. Leaving the area exposed to fresh air is one of the best ways to help the area heal and remain healthy. If you are worried about accidents, you can place an incontinence sheet under the person.
When you are finally ready to replace the incontinence pad, first apply a protecting barrier cream to the skin.

Traditional remedies that work well when dealing with nappy rash include baby powder, corn starch and Vitamin A and D creams. Zinc oxide creams are also good for healing. Some natural home remedies include products that contain calendula, aloe and chamomile extracts. Drinking cranberry juice can be helpful as it is helps control urinary tract and yeast infections which make the urine more irritating on the skin...

But as always, the first thing to do when a someone develops this kind of rash is take them to the doctor to make sure they are not suffering from one of the more severe forms of irritation that may require prescription medicines.

Jerry runs http://www.icare4.co.uk/, an online provider of products and information for those cared for at home in the UK, whether elderly, ill or disabled. Visit now for further information on incontinence pads, mobility aids and other homecare products.