Catheters: Types, Uses, Care and Risks
Catheters help people when parts of the body can’t drain or need IV access. They are common in hospitals and at home, but they come with real risks if handled poorly.
A catheter is a thin tube placed into the body to drain fluids or deliver medicine. The common kinds are urinary catheters for bladder drainage, peripheral IVs for short-term blood access, and central venous catheters for long-term medication or dialysis. There are also specialty tubes like suprapubic catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).
Types of catheters
Urinary (Foley) catheters sit in the bladder and collect urine. Suprapubic catheters are placed through the lower belly when urethral access is not possible. Peripheral IVs are short, placed in arm veins for fluids or antibiotics. PICC lines and other central lines go into large veins near the heart and are used for long-term therapy. Each type needs different handling.
Care and warning signs
Keep the insertion site clean and dry. Wash hands before touching the tube. Empty urine bags below the bladder level and never tug on tubing. For central lines, flush with saline as instructed and cover with a sterile dressing. Change bags and dressings on schedule.
Watch for signs of trouble: fever, redness, swelling, leak, cloudy or foul-smelling drainage, pain around the site, or sudden shortness of breath. Any of these should prompt a call to your healthcare provider or emergency care.
Preventing infection matters. Encourage mobility when allowed, keep tubing secured, and avoid touching the catheter tip. Hospitals use sterile technique during insertion and trained staff for dressing changes. At home, follow written instructions and ask for a demo before you leave.
Removing a catheter is quick for many types and usually done by a clinician. For urinary catheters the balloon is deflated and the tube pulled out. For PICCs and central lines, removal requires skill to avoid air embolism or bleeding—don't attempt these yourself.
If you care for someone with a catheter, keep supplies organized, label bags with dates, and record output if requested. Ask the team about signs of blockage and what to do if the catheter stops draining. Know who to call after hours.
Questions to ask your provider: why do I need this catheter, how long will it stay, what are the risks, and what exact care steps do I follow at home? Clear answers reduce confusion and prevent avoidable complications.
Catheters are lifesaving tools when used correctly. With the right care and quick action on warning signs, most problems can be prevented or treated early. If anything feels wrong, speak up.
Travel and daily life tips: secure tubing under clothing, carry spare supplies and a copy of instructions, plan restroom stops, and avoid swimming unless provider says it's safe. If you notice decreased output, try repositioning first, then check for kinks. Keep a simple log of output and problems, and bring it to appointments. Small records help your provider spot trends and adjust care quickly. Ask questions until you feel confident and safe.
