You or someone in your family may have had to deal with problems like urinary catheters getting stuck or bladder stones forming while in place. This can be a bit of an uncomfortable and painful experience. So, in this article, we are going to talk about a special treatment method that doctors use at times like this, but it is not very talked about.
What is this treatment? Simply put...
This is a special liquid medicine that we are talking about. It contains Citric Acid, Glucono-Delta-Lactone, and Magnesium Carbonate as its chemical components. It can be found in the market under names like `(Renacidin)`.
Simply put, the main function of this liquid is to increase the acidity of your urine. When the acidity increases, some types of stones that form in the bladder dissolve. Also, this liquid is used to prevent salts from clogging the inside of long-term urinary catheters, and to clean them if they are blocked.
The important thing is, this is not a medicine you drink, swallow, or take home. This is a treatment that is given entirely in a hospital setting, by a doctor or trained nursing staff.
How is this treatment given?
It is very important for you to know how this treatment is given.
1. Only by a professional: This liquid should only be injected into your body by a doctor or a trained nurse.
2. Through the urethra: This fluid is sent directly into the bladder through the urethra (catheter) that you have.
3. Regular intervals: The doctor will assess your condition and provide this treatment at regular intervals as needed.
Special care is needed when administering this treatment to children. Therefore, if this treatment is recommended for your child, discuss it thoroughly with your pediatrician.
Things to tell your doctor before treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is essential to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have high levels of magnesium in your blood .
- If you have previously had blockages in the bladder or elsewhere in the urinary tract .
- If you have any kidney disease .
- If you have allergies to the ingredients of this medicine or to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this treatment is right for you or not.
What are the things to be careful about during treatment?
Your medical team will monitor you closely during this treatment. If your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to get worse, let your doctor or nurse know right away. You may also need to have blood tests to check things like the magnesium levels in your blood.
Special attention to magnesium!
Because this liquid contains magnesium, there is a risk that your blood magnesium levels may increase during treatment. Therefore, do not use other products containing magnesium that you can buy at the pharmacy without consulting your doctor.
Remember, some antacids, laxatives , and vitamins may contain magnesium. So before using anything, read the label carefully. If in doubt, be sure to ask your doctor for advice.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical treatment, there are some possible side effects. But don't worry. Most of these are uncommon. However, it is important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of high magnesium levels in the blood | Nausea, confusion, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue/weakness, dizziness, fainting, loss of muscle response. |
| Symptoms of a urinary tract infection | Fever or feeling like you have a cold, cough, sore throat, pain/difficulty urinating, back or pelvic pain. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Bladder discomfort | Feeling of burning or discomfort in the bladder. |
What to do if the medication is too much?
Since this treatment is given under medical supervision, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect something like this, immediately report it to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- This is not a medicine you drink. It is a special liquid that is inserted into the bladder through a urethral catheter.
- This treatment is used to dissolve certain types of bladder stones and clear blockages in the urinary tract.
- This is only given in a hospital by a doctor or trained nurse.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before treatment.
- Avoid taking other medications or supplements containing magnesium during treatment. Ask your doctor about this.
- If you experience extreme fatigue, confusion, or signs of infection, notify your doctor immediately.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Bladder Irrigation Solutions?
This involves cleaning/washing the inside of the patient's bladder and urethra/catheter using a special medical solution (Sterile Water, Saline, or a special chemical solution). This is mostly done after a bladder/prostate operation to prevent blood clots from getting stuck inside and blocking urine flow (Obstruction).
💬 What kind of fluids are used for bladder irrigation? How do they work?
There are several main types: 1. Normal Saline (salt water) - This is the most common wash. This dissolves all the blood clots and removes them. 2. Acetic Acid (a mixture of vinegar) - If there is a severe bacterial disease/infection in the bladder, this acidic liquid will wipe out and kill the bacteria. 3. Citric Acid/Renacidin - Some people get stones, ash, and calcium stones in the urinary tract. When you wash with this liquid, those stones dissolve completely.
💬 What discomfort does the patient experience when the bladder is flushed with lavage fluids in the hospital?
Although this irrigation is generally a safe method with few side effects, the biggest problem is that the patient experiences 'unbearable pain/abdominal cramps and a strong urge to urinate (Bladder spasms)' when the bladder is too full. Also, if you are exposed to cold bottles, the body can suddenly become cold (Hypothermia). The other dangerous thing is that if you absorb a lot of salt water into your body, there is a high risk of swelling of the legs/face/difficulty breathing (Fluid overload/Water intoxication).
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න