Living with a Urinary Catheter - Hydration Guide - Flipbook - Page 4
Why hydration is necessary
Hydration is important for all aspects of our bodily functions; being
hydrated means having enough fluid in your body for it to work
as efficiently as possible. If you are using a urinary catheter, you’re
likely to be extra aware of the importance of hydration in order
to maintain a healthy bladder as well as avoiding urinary catheter
complications and catheter associated urinary tract infections
(CAUTIs). Approximately 50-60% of our body weight is water,
so for a female weighing 10 stone, that’s 5-6 stone in just water
(63.5kg and 31-38kg respectively). The water in our bodies helps
transport nutrients, regulates our temperature and aids the removal
of waste products.
Many people become dehydrated by not drinking enough fluid or by
losing fluids and not replacing them. If our bodies lose too much fluid,
or if we don’t consume enough, this can lead to medical problems
that may require treatment in hospital.
Dehydration-related
health problems:
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Headaches
Constipation
Dizziness that can lead to falls
Confusion
Kidney stones
Pressure ulcers/skin conditions