UTI in Elderly - How to Identify the Signs

UTI refers to a urinary tract infection caused by bacteria or fungal infection. These infections attack the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra, causing discomfort and pain. It affects both men and women but is more prevalent in women. This is because the Urethra in a woman is shorter than that of a man.

Studies show that your UTI risk increases as you get older. So, paying attention to some of the symptoms associated with this condition will help you seek medical attention early. Let’s explore the common UTI symptoms, risk factors, and what you can do to treat and prevent UTIs.

Signs of UTI in Elderly

The signs and symptoms of a UTI infection in the elderly may differ compared to younger people, where frequent urination and pain are the most common indicators.

But, as an elderly, these symptoms may be dismissed and choked up to age or a preexisting condition.

So, paying attention to other signifiers is essential to ensure that the problem is addressed on time. Here are some of the signs to look out for.

• Urethral burning sensation during urination
• A frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Pelvic pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Dark or cloudy urine
• Abnormal odor from urine
• Incontinence
• Frequent falls
• Lethargy
• Agitation

Risk Factors of UTI

Some health conditions in the elderly may increase the risk of contracting a UTI. The most common problems are urinary retention and neurogenic bladder, which may result from diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes.

The lack of emptying the bladder due to urinary retention significantly contributes to the UTI infection rates in the elderly. In addition, if you suffer from a neurogenic bladder (a lack of bladder control), using incontinence briefs is essential. However, it may contribute to more infections if not changed on time.

Another risk factor, especially for women, is a decrease in Estrogen after menopause. Estrogen helps protect the vagina and urethra from an overgrowth of E.coli (a bacteria usually found in the intestines) that may trigger a UTI.

Other things that may put elderlies at risk of a UTI include;

• Use of a catheter
• Dementia
• Bladder stones
• Prolapsed bladder
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate and bacterial prostatitis (an infection of the prostate) for men

How to Treat UTIs in the Elderly

Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. The brand of antibiotics will depend on the advancement of your infection, where you’ll get stronger antibiotics if the infection is severe.

To fully address this issue, you need to stick to your prescription until you’re done with the medication. If you stop following your drugs because you can see some improvement, you’ll risk a reoccurrence of the same condition.

Worse still, you may end up developing antibiotic resistance. So, stick to your prescribed drugs to ensure your UTI is fully treated. The best part is that it will most likely be for a short period of at most seven days.

How to Prevent UTIs in the Elderly

Preventing a UTI is the best way to keep yourself healthy and avoid the uncomfortable pain of such infections. You can adopt different practices that are easy and accessible to help you prevent UTIs.

If you use incontinence briefs, investing in quality options and ensuring that you change them regularly will keep you away from infections. You can get some great women’s incontinence underwear at Because Market.

The elderlies in nursing homes or those receiving care from caregivers should always stay clean and dry to ensure they don’t contract UTIs. So, as a caregiver, paying attention to this will ensure that your client stays healthy.

Other ways to prevent UTIs include;

• Avoiding alcohol or caffeine, especially if they irritate your bladder
• Wiping front to back when you go to the bathroom to keep yourself clean and dry
• Drinking plenty of water and other fluids
• Using vaginal estrogen to enhance protection for your vagina
• Urinating as soon as you feel the urge

Final Thoughts

Taking precautions and ensuring that you pay close attention to UTI symptoms will help you address the problem on time. In addition, seeking prompt medical attention will reduce the severity of the infection and allow you to treat it faster.