C I C - Clean Intermittent Catheterization

C I C Introduction
Young children with special health needs often require medical procedures or routines that can be carried out by their parents. With time, most children - depending on developmental level - can learn to do these procedures themselves. This Center Care Bulletin will answer some of your questions about one of these procedures, clean intermittent catheterization (C I C).

What is C I C?
C I C is an abbreviation for "clean intermittent catheterization." It means:

Clean - As germ-free as possible.
Intermittent - Done on a regular schedule several times a day.
Catheterization - Using a catheter or tube to drain urine out of the bladder.
 
Why is C I C important?
Urine is produced by the kidneys. It flows from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called the ureters (see Figure 1: The urinary tract). Most people empty their bladders by going to the bathroom four or five times a day. When the bladder is not emptied, infections or other problems can occur. If the bladder is not drained, the urine may pass backward into the ureters. This condition is called reflux . Reflux can cause infection and damage to the kidneys. For many children, C I C helps prevent reflux, urinary tract infection, and toileting "accidents."
 
Learning to do C I C?
You can talk to your family doctor about C I C, or you may want to talk with a specialist called a urologist - a doctor who has special knowledge of the urinary tract. Your doctor and nurse will provide you with a demonstration of the procedure, an opportunity to do C I C with supervision, and written instructions.
 
Why should my child learn to do C I C?
We all want our children to be as independent as possible, and an important part of this is learning personal self-care. One way to help children be more self-confident is to let them be responsible for as much of their own care - including C I C - as possible.
 
What is the best age for my child to learn self-catheterization?
Parents usually do C I C for their child until the child is about five years old. As the child
becomes developmentally ready, he or she can be encouraged to participate in parts of the procedure, such as washing hands or organizing C I C equipment.

A child is often able to carry out his or her own C I C at the age of seven or eight years. At this age, the child may be a little more self-conscious about wetting "accidents," and thus more motivated to learn. You, your child, and your doctor can decide the best time for your child to learn C I C.

How can I tell if my child is ready to learn C I C?
A child is ready to do his or her own C I C when he or she:


• Has a mental age of 5 years


• Has the necessary coordination (fine motor skills); for example, can pick up a soda straw and place it on a tray at a specified location


• Wants to learn C I C


• Has the encouragement and support of parents and other adults

How often will my child need to do C I C? \
Most doctors recommend 4 to 6 times per 24-hour day, with no longer than 8 hours between catheterizations at night.

Can my child do C I C at school?
Yes. Your doctor will write a letter to the school. The letter will outline your child's catheterization program and ask the school nurse or health aide to help your child with C I C. You and your child should demonstrate the specific C I C methods you prefer to use to your child's school nurse or health aide.

How will the school nurse help my child with C I C?
The school nurse or health aide will:


• Get supplies ready


• Help your child with the C I C process


• Check your child's progress


• Watch for any problems

Will it cause concern if my child needs to be out of the classroom several times a day for C I C?
As you plan your child's C I C schedule, talk with your child, the teachers, the school nurse, and your doctor. Careful scheduling, using lunch hours, recess, class breaks, and study halls, can minimize disruption of the school day.

Is there a chance my child might experience an allergic reaction as the result of C I C?
Children with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, are at risk to develop an allergy to latex. So are children with urological abnormalities. These children may become allergic to the latex in certain products used with C I C. For this reason, we recommend the use of latex-free products.

How can I tell if my child has a latex allergy?
A child who is allergic to latex may have certain symptoms after using a product containing latex. These symptoms may include:


• Itchy, runny nose


• Itchy, watery eyes


• Skin rash with red, itchy bumps


• Swelling of lips, tongue, eyelids


• Breathing problems

How serious is a latex allergy?
Latex allergy can be very serious. It can cause anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

Can I do anything to keep my child from becoming allergic to latex?
Yes, you can, by not exposing your child to latex. Children who are at risk for latex allergy should avoid products that contain latex. This is true even if a child does not currently have allergic symptoms due to latex exposure.

How can I learn whether my child is allergic to latex?
You can ask your doctor whether your child should be tested for latex allergy. The allergy test is done using a blood test called a RAST, or a skin test.

What should I do if my child has a latex allergy?
Your child will need to avoid products containing latex.

Talk with your health care providers, including your physician and your dentist. They should not use products that contain latex when they care for your child.

Your child should use only latex-free products. Your physician can write a prescription for latex-free catheters, syringes, and gloves to use during C I C and other routines. You can order these through your local pharmacy or medical supply source.

It would be a good idea for your child to wear a medic alert bracelet indicating this allergy.

What other precautions should I take?
You will also need to tell your child's other caregivers. It is very important that they know, so that they can avoid using latex products with your child. Some caregivers you should talk with include:


• Babysitters


• Daycare staff


• Teachers, teacher's aides, and coaches


• School nurse


• Grandparents and other family members


• Your child's friends, and their parents


• Summer camp staff

About Complete Care Medical, Inc.
We are one of the fastest growing fully accredited national catheter suppliers in the United States. We are dedicated to putting Patients first in everything we do, and providing them with convenience, choice and control.

Need a catheter? What size? What brand? What type? WE HAVE IT!
For more about us please visit http://www.ccmedicalinc.com/, or call us Toll Free at 1-800-503-7604!