From: judgebean23x@gmail.com   
      
   UrineInfection.net   
   UTI in the Elderly: Complications, Symptoms and Quick Treatment Guide   
      
      
   UTI in elderlyUTI or urine infections are quite common in elderly populations.   
   They tend to affect women more than men; though elderly male patients placed   
   on catheters could also get urine infections frequently. The problem with   
   treating UTI in the    
   elderly is that they are often asymptomatic. As a result, they tend to go   
   unnoticed for a long time leading to various complications.  In normally alert   
   and active elderly people, UTIs typically present themselves in the form of   
   sudden and unexplained    
   delirium or confusion. In this guide, we will consider everything there is one   
   needs to know when dealing with UTI in the elderly, particularly complications   
   that may arise with it, as well as methods of treating and preventing them.   
      
   UTI in the elderly: Complications and symptoms   
      
   Can a UTI affect an older patient's mental state?   
      
   Asymptomatic urine infections in the elderly often do not produce any of the   
   regular symptoms such as burning pain during urinating, fever, abdominal pain   
   etc that are typically seen in younger patients. The main symptoms of urine   
   infection in elderly    
   populations include:   
      
   Headaches   
   Behavior changes, confusion and memory loss that seem to strike suddenly: s/he   
   might not be able to perform daily tasks such as buttoning clothes or feeding   
   oneself etc. Many cannot remember the current year, their maiden name, their   
   address or the year    
   they were born in.   
   Fatigue and weakness are some other symptoms of UTI in elderly   
   The person might appear depressed, undernourished and dehydrated.   
   Foul smelling urine might be produced   
   When left untreated for long, UTI in elderly could cause sepsis. This is   
   characterized by high fever, rapid and irregular heartbeat and even septic   
   shock where there is dangerous lowering of blood pressure. Thus, to answer the   
   question: whether urine    
   infections in the elderly are fatal, the answer is yes. In patients already   
   having weakened immunity or those with heart valve problems, the sudden   
   lowering of blood pressure caused by sepsis can be life threatening. Other   
   than sepsis, urine infections    
   in the elderly can also lead to Pylonephritis as well as permanent kidney   
   damage. The patient might require dialysis to remove the waste from the blood.   
      
   Why does UTI lead to confusion and dementia in the elderly?   
      
   Every urine infection is a by-product of dehydration and vice a versa. If a   
   patient is already taking medicines for other conditions, these might be   
   affected by the dehydration. Additionally, UTIs in the elderly lead to brain   
   inflammation and temperature    
   changes which could affect a person's thinking and cognitive functions.   
      
      
   The reason UTI-induced-delirium in elderly is more dangerous because; in such   
   a state, the person is more susceptible to falls, accidents and irrational   
   behavior.   
      
   Causes of UTIs in elderly patients   
      
   As stated before, women aged 60 and above are more prone to UTIs than men   
   owing to the proximity of the urethral opening and anus. The germs from the   
   anus easily travel to the urethra and bladder due to back-to-front wiping   
   after bowel movement. Also,    
   uterine prolapse, a condition where the walls and muscles of the uterus become   
   structurally weak causing problems emptying the bladder completely can lead to   
   UTIs in elderly females. Urine incontinent men and women who require diapers   
   are more likely to    
   trap germs in the urethra. Elderly patients (of both sexes) having diseases   
   like cancer, diabetes etc could also suffer frequent bladder infections. Other   
   reasons for UTIs in the older populations include the use of catheters.   
   Indwelling catheters    
   generally trap germs despite precautions.   
      
   Treating Urine infections in the elderly   
      
   It is important to get a dipstick urine test done for patients suspected of   
   having UTI. If s/he is showing signs of dementia, a loved one or caregiver   
   must assist them for collecting early morning sample of urine. A culture test   
   can help the doctor    
   diagnose if it is a lower UTI or upper UTI. The former are slightly easier to   
   treat and they generally respond well to antibiotics. Upper bladder infections   
   might involve kidneys and ureters apart from the bladder and could end up   
   being fatal. In case of    
   UTI in elderly accompanied by confusion and delirium, apart from antibiotics,   
   short-term treatment with anti-psychotic drugs may be needed.   
      
   Preventing UTIs in elderly   
      
   Recurrent urine infections in elderly are a common problem. To prevent them,   
   it is vital to get a urine test done every few months. Family members should   
   also watch out for confusion, difference in behavior, unusual sleepiness,   
   hallucinations etc in the    
   patients prone to such infections.   
      
   Patients with low mobility should have easy access to water. Color coded   
   glasses/cups can be used for this purpose to assess the water drunk on daily   
   basis. Drinking up to 6-8 glasses of water daily is recommended.   
   It is important that patients empty their bladder frequently. Bathrooms must   
   be equipped with handrails etc to prevent falls. A night light should be   
   placed in the bathroom as well.   
   Moderate exercise with good diet having fibrous foods is recommended to   
   prevent constipation.   
   Some evidence supports that UTIs in elderly can be prevented with regular   
   consumption of cranberry supplements or juices.   
   In case of urinary catheter being used precautions must be followed as stated   
   by the medical expert.   
      
   Find the best products for treating urine infections   
      
   These are some ways of treating and preventing UTIs in the elderly.   
      
      
   You may also like:   
   Treat Urine Infections Fast or Risk Life Threatening Kidney Infections   
   Urine Infection in Men   
   Learn How To Stop UTI Pain Fast   
   Antibiotics for Urine Infection Treatment   
   Urine Infection in Children   
   Cranberry Juice Prevents Urine Infections and Improves Your Health   
   How To Cure UTIs in 24 Hours   
   Urine Infections in Babies and Toddlers: Symptoms and Treatment of UTI in   
   Children   
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