UTIs In Seniors: The Hidden Infection
With so much going on surrounding the Delta variant and resurgence of COVID-19, it is easy to place seemingly minor health problems to the back burner. One small but potentially major infection could be a urinary tract infection (UTI). This common infection can have a major impact on one’s health, especially in the aging population. To decrease the load from our hospitals and healthcare staff, we’d like to share with you some information about how you can identify a UTI, signs and symptoms to look out for, and what you can do to prevent them.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial or fungal infection in the urinary system. UTIs are common, but they can potentially lead to severe complications without treatment. An untreated UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause a serious kidney infection known as Pyelonephritis. This infection is serious and may require intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization. Another complication of UTIs is sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening, overwhelming infection that spreads to the bloodstream and then throughout the body. Untreated sepsis can lead to septic shock and eventually death.
Symptoms of a UTI may include:
- Urinary urgency, frequency, or hesitancy
- Burning, pain, or discomfort when urinating
- Feeling pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Cloudy, dark, or odorous urine
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination
- Blood in the urine
- Fatigue
Symptoms of an advanced UTI and possible kidney infection may include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Night sweats or chills
- Pain in the lower to mid back where your kidneys are located
Older adults are more likely to experience behavior changes in addition to the typical UTI symptoms above. Changes in behavior that may indicate a UTI include:
- Restlessness
- Hallucination
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Falls
Tips for Preventing UTIs in the Elderly Include:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, which irritate the bladder.
- Wiping from front to back
- Promptly changing incontinence pads or underwear when soiled
- Allow for an “underwear break” during the night
- Keep the genital area clean and dry.
- Set reminders/timers for seniors who are memory impaired to try to use the bathroom instead of an adult brief.