Know the Signs and How to Prevent UTIs

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the most common infection in elderly adults. Left untreated, UTIs, an infection in any part of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) can lead to serious health issues. Repercussions of UTIs, particularly in older adults, can include kidney infection and damage, sepsis, and changes in behavior or confusion.
Knowing the early signs to look for and understanding the causes and steps to prevent UTIs is essential for older adults and caregivers; seeking prompt treatment can be vital to protecting yourself or your loved one from progressing symptoms and potentially severe health impacts.

Detect Early; Know the Symptoms
​Data shows that UTIs result in more than 8 million doctor visits yearly in the United States. Awareness of UTIs and knowing what symptoms to look out for are great ways to protect you or your loved one’s overall health.
Symptoms of UTIs can vary from person to person, particularly in men and older adults. Some individuals are at a higher risk for UTIs, particularly those with limited mobility, a weakened immune system, or urinary tract obstructions from conditions like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones. Early detection and treatment of UTIs is important and can help to avoid more severe health impacts.

​Common Symptoms to Watch for Include:

• - Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
• - A frequent or urgent need to use the bathroom
• - Pain or burning with urination
• - Low-grade fever
• - Night sweats
• - Cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen

While the above are common warning signs, an older person may exhibit different symptoms due to their aging immune system. Monitoring closely for any sudden changes in behavior, such as decreased energy, appetite, strength, balance, and mobility, is vital.
 Other UTI Signs to Be Alert to Include:

• - Agitation
• - Confusion
• - Hallucinations
• - Extreme fatigue
• - Impaired motor skills
• - Dizziness
• - Falls
• - Sudden urinary incontinence

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your loved one, contact their doctor immediately!

Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infections
While UTIs are common among both males and females, women experience UTIs at a higher rate, up to 30 times more frequently than men, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Older adults are more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) than younger people due to several risk factors, including:

• - Weaker urine flow: This can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, which can cause bacteria to build up in the bladder.
• - Enlarged prostate: In men, an enlarged prostate can make it difficult to empty the bladder.
• - Weakened immune system: Older adults have a less robust immune system than younger people.
• - Incontinence: Reduced bladder and bowel control can increase the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
• - Other risk factors for UTIs include: malnutrition (weakens immune system), diabetes, (high blood sugar levels providing a favorable environment for bacteria), constipation, (leads to incomplete bladder emptying), and long-term hospitalizations (increase exposure to bacteria and disrupt normal bladder function).
• - Catheter use: Older adults are more likely to use catheters, which can increase the risk of UTIs.

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs. Finishing the entire prescription is crucial, even if you start feeling better before the medication is gone. Stopping the antibiotics early can lead to a recurrence of the infection, and the bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic, making future infections harder to treat.

Be Proactive – Reduce the Risk
Caregivers are crucial in identifying the early signs and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in elderly patients. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• - Encourage proper hydration
• - Promote good hygiene
• - Dress patients in loose, breathable clothing
• - Monitor and assist with toileting
• - Ensure proper catheter care
• - Encourage regular bathroom breaks
• - Provide a balanced diet
• - Cranberry juice (not cranberry juice cocktail)/ Vitamin C
• - Review medications to prevent risk
• - Closely monitor for changes in behavior or confusion
• - Consult with healthcare providers
• - Always practice safe meat handling and proper hygiene when preparing and cooking meats

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References:
George Washington Milken School of Public Health. (2023, May). Bacteria from Meat Likely to Cause More than Half a Million Urinary Tract Infections in the U.S. Every Year. Health, M. S. (n.d.). Accessed Sept., 26, 2024
Rowe TA, Juthani-Mehta M. Urinary tract infection in older adults. Aging health. 2013 Oct;9(5):10.2217/ahe.13.38. doi: 10.2217/ahe.13.38. PMID: 24391677; PMCID: PMC3878051.
Dutta C, Pasha K, Paul S, Abbas MS, Nassar ST, Tasha T, Desai A, Bajgain A, Ali A, Mohammed L. Urinary Tract Infection Induced Delirium in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Dec 8;14(12):e32321. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32321. PMID: 36632270; PMCID: PMC9827929.
Do Cranberries Help Treat UTIs? – Doctor On Demand. https://doctorondemand.com/blog/health/do-cranberries-help-treat-utis/