General

Do not let worries about bladder and bowel management prevent you from having a fulfilling sex life. Accidents do not need to be a concern with proper preparation. Because the nerves stimulated during sex may stimulate the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, ensure that you have catheterized and emptied your bowels before intercourse. Read More

It’s not your fault if you get a respiratory infection. We live in a world filled with bacteria and viruses that are nearly impossible to avoid. Nevertheless, a number of strategies can help you reduce the odds of developing a respiratory infection. Those include: ·       Remaining upright as frequently as possible; ·       Coughing frequently, even […] Read More

Respiratory infections come in two basic forms: viral and bacterial. Viral infections typically must run their course, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. If you have a viral infection, your doctor will carefully monitor you and may provide treatment to reduce your symptoms. Occasionally, viral infections turn into bacterial infections, so ask your doctor what […] Read More

Many respiratory infections start out very minor, just like the common cold. But if you have a spinal cord injury, even minor infections can escalate quickly. Signs to immediately report to your doctor include: ·       Swollen lymph nodes in your neck; ·       A feeling of fullness in your chest; ·       Frequent coughing; ·       Congestion; ·      […] Read More

When a respiratory infection spreads to another organ, the infection becomes significantly more difficult to treat. This is especially true for SCI survivors, who already struggle with decreased immunity, and who may have additional health problems. The more rapidly the infection spreads, the more easily your body can become overwhelmed. Even if the infection is […] Read More

Your lungs oxygenate your blood, allowing it to nourish every organ in your body. Without proper oxygenation, you can quickly suffer brain damage and multi-organ failure. When you develop a respiratory infection, you may not breathe as effectively, reducing blood oxygen. In severe cases, you may be unable to breathe at all. Some respiratory infections—even […] Read More