As individuals age, the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) increases.
According to one study, over 10% of females aged 65 and above reported a UTI in the previous year. This percentage rises to nearly 30% among women aged 85 and older.
Conversely, young males between 18 and 24 years have a reported incidence rate of UTI of 0.01 per person-year. However, for males aged 65 to 74, the estimated UTI incidence rate increases to 0.05 per person-year.
UTIs in older people can lead to severe complications, such as decreased mobility, mental status changes, falls, urinary retention, and even sepsis (generalized infection through the bloodstream) if left untreated. Prevention and effective management of UTIs in this population are crucial to maintaining overall well-being.
UTIs occur when bacteria infect any part of the urinary system, from the urinary opening all the way up to the kidneys.
While UTIs commonly impact the lower urinary tract (the bladder and the urinating tube called the urethra), infections in the upper urinary tract (the kidneys and the ureter tubes connecting them to the bladder) are less common but tend to be more serious.
Compared to middle-aged people, elderly individuals are more vulnerable to UTIs because of the weakening of the muscles in the pelvic floor and bladder, which causes issues like retention or incontinence.
When urine remains in the urinary tract, it creates an environment where bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) can thrive and cause infections.
Seniors are also at a higher risk of UTIs due to a compromised immune system, catheter use, and underlying health conditions like diabetes and kidney problems.
Identifying a UTI in an older adult can be challenging as they may not exhibit typical symptoms, possibly due to a weakened immune system.
Frequent urination
Burning with urination
Pelvic pain
An urgent need to urinate
Cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen
Incontinence
Urinary retention
Blurred vision
Agitation
Weight loss
Lethargy
Falls
Decreased mobility
Soreness in the genital area
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Flushed skin
Fever, chills, or sweats
Back pain
UTIs pose a significant threat to the health and quality of life of the elderly population.
Typically, older individuals are frail and have a likelihood of experiencing severe complications associated with UTIs, such as hospitalization, delirium, and mortality.
Moreover, older adults often have concurrent medical conditions, which further increase their susceptibility to developing a UTI and exhibiting symptoms that are indicative of a UTI.
UTIs also cause discomfort, pain, and urinary incontinence, affecting the everyday activities and overall well-being of older people.
So, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of proactive measures in preventing UTIs in older people and seeking prompt medical attention upon experiencing symptoms.
Proactive measures and simple lifestyle modifications help prevent UTIs while improving the overall health and standard of living of your elderly loved ones.
Here is how to prevent urinary tract infections:
Drinking water and other fluids is essential for maintaining the health and hydration of your urinary system. Staying hydrated can reduce the concentration of bacteria in the bladder by diluting urine, which may help prevent infections.
Tips to stay hydrated:
Drink eight glasses of water
Drink one glass of cranberry juice daily to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause dehydration and aggravate UTI symptoms
Older individuals should cleanse all body parts daily, including the genital area, especially after using the restroom and changing undergarments. Neglecting hygiene routines when experiencing a UTI can exacerbate the infection.
Sanitation is vital as bacteria can thrive in moist conditions. So, wipe the genital area using toilet paper after urinating and wear clean undergarments.
It is important to empty your bladder regularly as urine contains waste products. Doing so prevents these wastes from staying in your bladder for extended periods, and urinating flushes out bacteria that may have made it into the bladder.
Consuming more fruits and vegetables is crucial as they are rich in natural antioxidants that aid in combating UTIs.
When older individuals take medication, selecting the proper diet becomes even more significant.
Certain foods and beverages may interact with specific medications, so learn what to avoid before starting a prescription UTI treatment.
Regular physical activity enhances blood flow throughout the entire body, including the urinary system, improving urine flow that can help prevent UTIs.
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections like UTIs.
You can lower your stress levels and strengthen your immune system by practicing meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
Your UTI might require a medical intervention if:
Your symptoms don’t improve after a few days
You get recurrent UTIs
Your symptoms are severe or worsening, especially with fever or chills
You exhibit signs of kidney infection or mental status changes
Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications, including kidney damage and sepsis. Therefore, take your elderly loved one to the doctor if they experience these or other UTI symptoms.
If you are struggling with a UTI, visit one of our urgent care centers in Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care.
Our urgent care professionals specialize in providing effective UTI treatment with personalized attention.
Content Source : NIH
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
