Introduction
According to a study published in Aging Health, UTIs are the most common type of bacterial infection in those aged 65 or older, especially for nursing home residents. There are several different reasons that seniors are more susceptible to UTIs–both men and women. The symptoms of UTIs in seniors are the same as they are in younger people, but they can be more difficult to diagnose sometimes. Read on to learn more about why seniors are at higher risk for UTIs and how to spot the symptoms.
Why Are Seniors More Susceptible?
Part of the reason for this is indwelling urinary catheters, which the elderly more often require. This same study mentioned above estimated that as many as half of nursing home residents with a urinary catheter will consequently experience symptomatic catheter-related UTIs.
One of the main culprits for the increased frequency of UTIs in seniors is simply that our muscles, including the bladder and pelvic floor, weaken as we age. This can cause both incontinence (inability to control urination) and urine retention (difficulty urinating and completely emptying the bladder). The longer urine stays in the bladder, the higher the chance of bacteria (like E. coli) taking hold and multiplying.
Other factors that contribute to increased levels of UTIs in seniors include weakened immune systems and kidney problems. Because diabetes affects the kidneys, it too can elevate UTI risk in seniors.
The risk of UTIs is higher in women than in men due to their differences in anatomy. The urethra is shorter in women, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Additionally, after menopause, women produce less estrogen, and this can cause an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, meaning there are more harmful bacteria than good bacteria. However, men can also experience UTIS if they have an enlarged prostate, which is more common in older men. Men who have enlarged prostates often have difficulty emptying their bladder fully, and this increases the ability of bacteria to grow.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?
Sometimes it’s difficult to recognize a UTI in seniors because the symptoms overlap with other illnesses. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the difficulty is even greater because they may lack the ability to communicate their symptoms. If they have an infection, they may react by behaving erratically or seeming confused or disoriented. If you notice these changes in a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to get them medical attention.
The most common symptoms of a UTI include:
Burning while urinating
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
A feeling the bladder is not completely empty
Lower abdominal/pelvic pain
Untreated or severe UTIs can cause the following symptoms:
Fever
Severe abdominal pain
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea/vomiting
It is possible to have an asymptomatic UTI. Because there are no outward signs of infection, these UTIs may only be detected in yearly screenings. But that generally isn’t a problem, since most of the time, only seniors undergoing urological procedures or kidney transplants need to receive treatment for them.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Doctors usually treat UTIs with a course of amoxicillin, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that is less likely to cause antibiotic resistance. In more severe cases, a senior may require admission to a hospital for intensive care.
How Can UTIs Be Prevented?
Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of UTIs for the seniors in your care.
Encourage them to drink plenty of water
Ensure they empty their bladder often and fully
Encourage them to wipe front to back
Make sure they wear loose and breathable clothing, and if they are in diapers, change them frequently
For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, monitor behavior for increased confusion or agitation
Conclusion
Do you suspect that a senior in your care has a UTI? Norman Urological Associates are here for you. Click here to make an appointment and speak with a urologist who can help you.