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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common yet severe issue. They are more common in elderly women and usually increase with age. A UTI is an infection of part of the urinary tract connected to the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidneys.
UTIs in seniors are more likely to happen to people with limited movement who have a weak immune system or blockages in the urinary tract due to kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. Though medications and medical treatment can help with the treatment, it is better to be well-informed.
Here is what you need to know about becoming aware of UTIs and preventing them in seniors.
What is the cause of UTI in elderly people?
Before discussing UTIs, you need to understand the related organs. The urinary tract, your body’s drainage system, involves your kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder, which work together to expel urine from your body.
The urethra is the final organ that extracts urine. During the opening of the urethra, bacteria can enter our bodies. This is the first stage of UTI. After that, the bacteria can infect our immune systems. As a result, they start multiplying inside the body. They infect the kidneys, bladder, and ureters, causing the infection. UTI in senior women is more likely to happen than in older men.
Medical causes for UTI in elderly people
- Dehydration
- Low immunity
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Lack of mobility
- Urine retention
- Using a urinary catheter
- Urinary incontinence
What are the common UTI symptoms in seniors?
Here are the symptoms known to people of any age:
- Urine containing blood
- The color of urine becomes cloudy or dark
- Urine smelling foul or strong
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Sweats, shakes, and chills during the nights
- Low fever
What are the symptoms of UTI in seniors that are less common?
Along with the symptoms listed previously, be on the lookout for:
- Irritation
- Behavioral change
- Confusions
- Dizziness
- Hallucination
- Lack of balance
- Frequent falls
5 Extreme UTI symptoms: Time to visit the hospital
If you observe any of these, immediately contact your doctor. You may be quite close to kidney failure or sepsis at that point:
- Vomiting or extreme cases of nausea.
- A high fever lasts for more than 24 hours, and you have flushed skin.
- Breathing difficulty may be caused by abnormal heart function.
- When the person has a weakened immune system (known) and could face other physical complications.
- Back pain.
5 things to know about UTI in older adults
- Confusion, on its own, is not a signal of UTI.
- Urine bacteria, without the other symptoms, do not always cause infections.
- There have to be multiple symptoms for your problem to be diagnosed as UTI.
- Always make sure that there are no underlying problems,
- Narrow-spectrum antibiotics should suffice; powerful antibiotics may be needed for severe cases.
How to prevent UTI in seniors?
While avoiding urinary tract infection in old age can be difficult, you can reduce the risk of getting it. Here are some lifestyle and personal hygiene changes that can prevent a senior from developing a UTI:
- Drink plenty of water for relief.
- Keep your genitals clean -maintain proper hygiene after using the bathroom.
- Avoid holding your pee.
- Wash up before sex and urinate after – while this is applicable for both genders, this tip is particularly helpful for women.
- Avoid scented products, e.g. bubble baths, scented bath oils, etc.
- Take probiotics.
- Consume cranberries.
How retirement communities help seniors when it comes to UTIs
If you are an older person with UTI, living in an assisted living or independent living community, rest assured that you are in good hands. Here are ways retirement communities can support and even help elderly people suffering from UTI:
- They help promote proper hygiene.
- Retirement communities encourage hydration and supervision.
- They provide adequate dietary support.
- Training staff helps with prompt medical attention and management.
- The retirement community atmosphere creates a supportive environment for sharing distress about UTIs.
- They help educate residents and staff about UTIs in senior women.
- Senior living communities foster community engagement that can positively impact mental health.
Note: Even home care agencies provide certified caregivers with adequate knowledge about UTIs and how to help those suffering from them.
Related articles you may enjoy reading:
Home remedies for UTI in elderly adults
There are many things to try in the comfort zone of your own home when finding home remedies for UTI prevention in the elderly. These remedies also work if you’re already in the first stages of UTI:
- Staying hydrated.
- Heat therapy, such as applying a hot water bottle or a warm cloth to the abdomen or back, can relieve the pain of a UTI.
- Keep a heating pad.
Final thoughts
Certain medical conditions can be prevented if not wholly cured. As such, UTIs can be treated at home or with professional medical care. However, for elderly women, UTIs are quite common,and life can be challenging and discomforting at times. So, we advise trying out the prevention methods to reduce discomfort.
Also, always seek expert medical advice regarding serious health matters like UTIs.
At the same time, why not read the following articles too:
FAQs
Can UTI cause confusion in seniors?
While this is not the primary symptom, UTI may cause abrupt changes in behavior for the elderly, such as delirium or disorientation. The body is exhibiting an increased inflammatory response, likely affecting seniors’ brain functioning.
What is the first line of treatment for UTI in the elderly?
Aside from standard remedies like staying hydrated, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the preferred empiric oral option for older adults suffering from UTI. These are antibiotics used to treat people with clinical UTI problems and are known to work within the first three days.
What causes recurrent UTIs in older women?
In simple terms, recurrent UTI problems in older women persist because of their low estrogen levels, as older women are likely to develop UTIs during menopause and perimenopause. As estrogen level goes down, bladder and pelvic muscles get weaker, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder, leading to UTI.
What can you take daily to prevent UTI in the elderly?
The American Urological Association (AUA) states that daily low-dose antibiotic treatment may help prevent UTIs from coming back. However, it is best to consult a medical professional, as some people or elders have weak immune systems. Staying hydrated as much as possible is best for the most straightforward method.
What happens when an elderly person gets a UTI?
Getting a UTI, particularly for elderly women, can be a very discomforting feeling. It can ruin a good day as the constant pain and discomfort often last for hours. In addition, it can change their behavior and other symptoms associated with cognitive functions and lead to dizziness or a sense of vomiting.
Are UTIs the same in older women as younger women?
Elderly females with UTIs will feel more discomfort. That is because older women are more vulnerable to UTIs than younger women because they have weaker immune systems. In addition, as UTIs worsen, even drinking enough water won’t suffice, as older women with kidney issues have to watch their water intake.
