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You might remember the “classic” symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) – an urgency to urinate pain when you do, and cloudy urine. But did you know that in seniors and elderly adults, urinary tract infections can have entirely different symptoms?
In some elderly individuals, there may be no real symptoms of a UTI, or they can be quite vague or seem very similar to that of other ailments. And in some cases, the symptoms of a UTI can look like dementia.
Let’s dive into what seniors need to know about urinary tract infections and how to spot them.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A UTI can include an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. It usually begins with bacteria entering the urethra. If the immune system can’t fight it off, the bacteria creates an infection that moves deeper into the urinary tract.
UTIs are quite common among seniors. The Urology Care Foundation reports that UTIs are the second most common type of infection among adults in the United States, accounting for more than 8 million visits to the doctor each year.1 But there could be many older adults who are misdiagnosed with something else, or not diagnosed at all, especially since the symptoms of a UTI often look very different in the elderly than they do in younger people.
Just how different do the symptoms look? You might be surprised…
The Symptoms of a UTI in Seniors and Elderly Adults
In the younger population, the most common symptoms of a UTI include pain when you urinate, as well as an urgent and frequent need to go. This can be accompanied by pelvic pain, fever, and chills. Your urine might also have a strange odor or be an abnormal color, such as brown, dark yellow, or blood-tinged.
However, senior adults often experience symptoms that don’t appear to have anything to do with a UTI and look much more like cognitive decline or other problems. These include:
· Confusion
· Lethargy
· Agitation
· Incontinence
· Urinary retention
· Falls
· Problems with mobility
· Lack of appetite
If the infection spreads to the kidneys, there could be back pain, flushed skin, a high fever, nausea, and vomiting in addition to any other symptoms.
It’s important to note that a urinary tract infection can lead to a higher risk of falls. According to a study in BMC Geriatrics, that’s due to a few different factors, including the urgent need to get to the bathroom to urinate. Needing to urinate around the clock can mean getting up out of bed multiple times a night, with each time increasing the risk of falls. Problems with balance and mobility can also lead to a hard tumble as a consequence of the UTI.2 A lack of appetite can mean you don’t get enough nutrition, which can lead to weakness and dizziness – two more problematic issues that can easily result in falls.
Senior alert systems can help protect you from the greater risk of falls. If you do suffer a fall, getting help immediately can mean a better medical outcome. Pressing the emergency panic button alarm can get help in seconds. The highly-trained professionals at the monitoring center will assess the situation, send the help you need, and stay on the line with you until that help arrives.
The Risk Factors
Women tend to develop UTIs more often than men do. That’s because the urethra in females is much shorter than that of men, which means bacteria has an easier job of getting into the urinary tract. Scientists also believe that an estrogen deficiency after menopause can make it easier for bacteria, especially E. Coli, to cause an infection.
Age plays a strong factor in developing an infection, according to a study in Aging Health. Men also experience more UTIs as they get older, but still not at the numbers that women do.3
Those who have trouble with emptying their bladder can also be at higher risk. These can include those who have diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or an enlarged prostate.
These are other factors that increase your risk of a UTI:
· A history of UTIs
· Bowel or bladder incontinence
· Wearing incontinence briefs or pads
· The use of a catheter
· A prolapsed bladder
· Dementia
If any of these risk factors apply to you, now could be the right time for a medical alert necklace, bracelet, or watch. These small, affordable devices can be a lifeline when things go wrong. All you have to do is press the button on the medical alert wireless system. The monitoring center will answer right away, ready to assist you.
How to Avoid a UTI
There are ways to lower your risk of infection with a UTI. Talk with your doctor about your unique health situation and other potential ways to steer clear of urinary tract infections.
· Drink lots of water. Water is always the go-to for good health, and that includes when fighting back urinary tract infections. Not only does the hydration serve every cell of your body, it also means you urinate more, which can help clear away bacteria before it has a chance to create an infection.
· Enjoy cranberries. Studies have shown that in addition to a good amount of water, cranberry juice can also be helpful in avoiding UTIs. That’s backed up by science! Further research has now discovered that cranberry products, such as dried cranberries or cranberry spreads, can also contribute to protection from UTIs.
· Avoid irritants. Some liquids can irritate the bladder and make it more likely that you will develop a UTI. These include things like caffeine and alcohol. If you have them, do so in moderation and make sure to drink more water to balance out the treat. If you have recurring UTIs, it’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine altogether.
· Wipe the right way. When cleaning up after using the bathroom, make sure to wipe from front to back. This tip is for men as well! This helps keep bacteria away from the urethra. To fight back even more bacteria, use unscented baby wipes to clean up, or use a bidet.
· Go when you need to. Try not to hold in urine for longer than it takes to walk to the bathroom. When you need to go, head to the bathroom right then. Retaining urine for too long can increase your risk of infection.
· Change briefs often. If you or your loved one wears incontinence briefs or liners, change them often. Urine sitting close to the urethra for a while can irritate it, which can then lead to a greater risk of bacteria getting in.
· Empty your bladder. When you urinate, make sure to empty your bladder completely. A feeling of fullness or a need to go again very soon can indicate that you are retaining urine. Talk to your doctor about the problem, as there are medications and treatments that can take care of this.
· Tips specifically for women. Women should never use a douche or similar vaginal cleaning product. Some other products marketed for use on the genital area, including deodorant creams or powders, can trigger UTIs. Some women might be prescribed vaginal estrogen, which can protect the urethra and prevent bacteria from collecting there.
If you are a family caregiver, pay close attention to these tips but also, don’t hesitate to ask for a urinalysis to check for UTIs when your loved one goes to the doctor. Remember, the elderly can sometimes have symptoms that are not what you expect and can easily mimic other problems. A regular urinalysis will also help catch infections in those who are entirely asymptomatic. UTI test strips may be purchased at local pharmacies, but are of course not as accurate as an urinalysis.
Get Prompt Treatment
When you take all the preventative steps yet have a UTI anyway, quick medical care can help get rid of the problem and allow you to get back to a more comfortable life.
Antibiotics are the first-line defense against a urinary tract infection. Getting prompt medical attention when you suspect you have a UTI can ensure that the bacteria stops growing before it becomes a more severe and even potentially life-threatening infection.
That’s one reason why caregivers should be well aware of the unique symptoms of UTIs in the elderly and get them to the doctor as soon as possible.
It’s also reasonable to ask for a urinalysis while visiting the doctor for other symptoms, such as back pain or severe fatigue. It’s possible to be entirely asymptomatic but have a urinary tract infection happening – and that could mean that by the time you do feel symptoms, it’s progressed to a kidney infection or worse. A quick urinalysis can be a good way to get peace of mind.
If you do wind up on antibiotics, keep taking them even after you feel better – it’s important to finish the full course of medication to ensure the bacteria is gone.
Take a proactive approach to senior health right now with a fall alert button alarm. Knowing you can get help whenever you need it is incredible peace of mind.
