Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common infection in the elderly, mainly due to age- related risk factors like malnutrition, inadequately controlled diabetes, poor bladder control leading to urinary retention or incontinence, constipation, long-term hospitalisation.
UTIs are divided into 2 main types of infections – Lower UTIs – this is an infection of the bladder or the urethra (the tubes which carry urine out of the body) – or both. If lower UTIs are left untreated, they can progress into upper UTIs.
Upper UTIs are infections of the kidneys or the ureter (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder) or both. Upper UTIs are more serious and can lead to kidney damage if they are left untreated.
Symptoms of a lower UTI
– A mild temperature
– Loss of bladder control
– Lower tummy pain
– Blood in your urine
– Cloudy urine
– Dark and smelly urine
– Needing to pee suddenly or more often than usual
– Pain or burning when peeing.
If the only symptom is dark or smelly urine, you might not be drinking enough water/fluid.
Symptoms of a an upper UTI
– Feeling very weak or tired
– Pain in your lower back or in the sides of your abdomen
– Feeling or being sick
– A high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
UTIs in older people
UTI symptoms in the elderly may be mistaken for another condition, such as dementia. This is because UTIs can cause severe confusion which develops quickly over a few days especially in the elderly. Any concerns you should always contact the doctor.
How do you get a UTI?
UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, most commonly bacteria from faeces, wiping back to front after going to the toilet, urinary catheters or having sexual intercourse can increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Older people are more susceptible to UTIs due to a weaker flow of urine, this means that it is likely that the bladder doesn’t fully empty.
How to treat UTIs
If you have a UTI then you will need to see or speak to a doctor. You will need to take a urine sample to be tested for infection.
If you do have a UTI then it will be more than likely that you will be prescribed antibiotics. Once you have started on the course of antibiotics then you will see an improvement in 3-5 days.
How to prevent UTIs
– Wipe from front to back when wiping after going to the toilet.
– Maintain good hygiene by washing daily using unperfumed soap. If you can, avoid using perfumed soaps or talcum powder.
– Try to empty your bladder fully when peeing and emptying your bladder after having sex.
– Wear cotton underwear instead of underwear made synthetic materials, as cotton allows more airflow than other materials.
– Drink plenty of fluids – aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
– Change incontinence pads regularly.
– Avoid stalling when needing to pee – go when you need to go.
– Avoid wearing tight trousers.
How do UTIs affect people with dementia?
When a person with dementia or memory problems develops a UTI, they may quickly become more confused or agitated, or you might notice a sudden change in their behaviour. The sudden confusion is known as delirium.
Someone with dementia may not be able to communicate how they feel, so if you notice a sudden or drastic change in them you must seek medical advice. Infections can speed up the progression of dementia so it is important to get help quickly if you suspect someone has a UTI.