When there are many germs in the urinary tract, urinary infections in older people result. When you urinate, these symptoms caused by the abnormal bacteria make you uncomfortable.
According to statistics, 20% of women and 10% of men over the age of 65 can have high levels of bacteria in their urine, which means that as time passes, the risk of developing a urinary infection rises.
For this reason, we must treat our elderly relatives with special consideration, especially if they depend on our attention or on in-home care from qualified individuals who can ensure their safety.
What are the main symptoms of a urinary infection?
The most common symptoms of a urinary infection are:
- Urinating more often than usual
- Painful urination or a burning sensation when urinating
- Itching when urinating
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Bad smell in the urine
- Fever when urine infection is high
- Pain in the back or kidneys (usually occurs when there is a high infection)
Urine infection in the elderly: types of urinary infections
When we talk about this group of people, we wonder why urinary tract infections are so common in the senior population. And it is true that older individuals typically consume relatively little fluids due to decreased urine output with advancing age. However, elderly people have less control over the muscles that line the walls of the urinary canal, which encourages the growth of bacteria.
Urine infections can be divided into two categories: lower urine infections and upper urine infections. The location of both classifications serves as an identifier.
Low urine infection
Cystitis: In this form of urinary infection, the bladder is the primary site of the infection. On the other hand, there is urethritis, in which the urethra is affected by the infection.
The following are the most typical signs of a lower urinary tract infection:
- Dysuria (discomfort to urinate)
- Pollakiuria (peeing several times with little urine volume)
- Urgency (feeling of the constant need to urinate)
- Suprapubic pain may also be present
Asymptomatic bacteriuria, or urinary infections without clinical symptoms, can happen.
High urine infection
Pyelonephritis, a type of upper urinary tract infection, is an infection that has spread to the kidneys. Sepsis, a condition that generates inflammation that can be lethal, may have its roots in this kind of inflammation.
The most frequent or significant symptoms are:
- Fever (along with chills, nausea, and vomiting)
- Lower back or abdominal pain
On the other hand, there may be lower urinary symptoms such as dysuria and polyuria.
How do you get a urine infection?
It is crucial to remember that under ideal circumstances, urine is sterile; therefore, the presence of bacteria should not be normal, as it changes the characteristics of urine, as we already discussed, urine infection is caused by the appearance of microorganisms in the urine.
There are various ways in which these microbes can enter the urinary tract:
- Ascending or retrograde route: It is the most popular path. The urethra is the entry point for bacteria and germs that infect the genital and periurethral regions, which stick to the urinary wall and remain in the lower urinary system (urethra or bladder). If this problem is not properly and promptly treated, it could spread and lead to severe kidney damage.
- Descending or hematogenous route: In this, blood allows the microorganisms to enter the urinary tract. This is caused by a bacterium (blood bacterium), as the bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel directly to the kidneys.
How can we prevent urine infection in the elderly?
As we all know, our elderly oftentimes can no longer perform and care for themselves as they used to. They cannot follow specific instructions to steer clear of this kind of situation because of their own physical and mental degeneration.
On the other hand, it must be considered that a large portion of our older population may be affected by diseases that impair cognitive function, such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, making it much more challenging for them to practice sufficient self-care.
What fundamental dietary and hygiene rules can we follow with our seniors to stop the occurrence of urinary infections?
- Drinking plenty of water is a key recommendation to prevent urinary tract infections and must be followed consistently. By doing this, hydration is made easier, and bacterial or viral growth is stopped.
- Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for the elderly in order to boost their immunity and prevent the onset of infections. It is advised to eat foods high in nutrients and fruits like cranberries, which can help reduce cystitis episodes.
- Another recommendation for our elderly is to empty the bladder frequently. The likelihood of an infection increases if the urine stagnates and you don’t frequently urinate since this allows the bacteria to stay in the urethra.
- Excessive genital washing and the use of harsh items like soap are not advised.
- After washing the skin or switching hygiene products, it is advised to thoroughly dry the skin since bacteria and germs grow more quickly in humid environments.
- It’s crucial that any diapers or pads used by older people who experience incontinence be made of high-quality antiperspirants.
