A Urinary bladder infection places stress on
the body. That stress can result in confusion, and abrupt changes in behaviour
in older adult results in an “Elderly Urinary Tract Infection”.
A sudden
change in behaviour is, in fact, one of the best indicators of a urinary tract
infection in older adults. Some common warning signs might include the onset of
elderly urinary incontinence, confusion or not being able to do tasks the
patient could easily do a day or two before. Anytime there's a change in an
older adult. If one day they're able to dress themselves or feed themselves and
then there's a sudden change, a red flag should go up. If a 30-year old woman
experiences painful burning when she urinates, it's almost certain she has a
urinary tract infection (UTI). But an elderly urinary tract infection rarely
causes such clear symptoms and might not involve pain or discomfort at all. As
you get older your immune response changes; it's part of normal aging. Half of
all women will develop a urinary tract infection in their lifetimes. Typically,
UTIs, also known as bladder infections, are easy to cure. But REMEMBER if left untreated, the
infection can spread and develop into far more serious conditions.
The kidneys,
ureters, bladder and urethra work together to rid the body of urine:
1.
The kidneys
remove extra liquid and waste from the blood in the form of urine.
2.
The ureters
carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
3.
And, the
bladder stores the urine until it is emptied through the urethra.
UTIs are thought to be much more common in
women because the urethra is shorter in women than in men, giving
bacteria-which live in the rectal area and also on a person's skin-an easier
route into the body.
·
Cystitis:
The most
common diagnosis is cystitis, (the infection and inflammation of the Urinary Bladder),
which causes frequent and painful urination. However, other parts of the lower
and upper urinary tract system can become infected. As a general rule of thumb,
the higher up the infection in the urinary tract system, the worse it is.
·
Urethritis:
Burning
urination is often the result of urethritis, the infection of the urethra.
·
Pyelonephritis:
Pyelonephritis
occurs when a bladder infection spreads to the kidneys. It can cause:
1.
Upper back
and flank pain,
2.
Shaking,
chills,
3.
Nausea and
vomiting.
·
Prostatitis:
UTIs in men can lead to prostatitis, or
enlargement of the prostate gland, the male organ that produces semen, which is
located just below the bladder.
Symptoms of a UTI include:
1.
General
discomfort.
2.
A feeling of
being over-tired.
3.
Blood in the
urine and pain even when not urinating.
4.
Men might
feel fullness in the rectum. Back and side pain can indicate the infection has
reached the kidneys.
5.
An elderly
person will rarely get a fever, but if an older patient has one it is
considered an emergency. "It shouldn't be taken lightly. If they do have a
fever, it's a serious infection.
Who's at risk?
1.
Older adults
at greater risk for getting an elderly urinary tract infection.
2.
Those who
require a catheter in the urethra and bladder.
3.
Those who
are diabetics.
4.
Anyone with
kidney stones.
5.
Women who've
gone through menopause.
After menopause, women experience a change in
the lining of the vagina and also produce less estrogen, which helps protect
against UTIs. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help protect postmenopausal
women from UTIs, according to the American Urological Association, but HRT may
increase other health risks and so may not be appropriate for all women.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
In most
cases, diagnosing and treating an elderly urinary tract infection is relatively
straightforward. A simple urinalysis can confirm the infection's presence and,
for someone in good health, antibiotics are the first choice of treatment. UTIs
often clear up in only a few days. The course of treatment can take weeks and
perhaps involve hospitalization for the administration of intravenous
antibiotics.
1.
Home tests: A
dipstick is held in the urine stream. Home tests are a convenient way for
chronic UTI sufferers to quickly diagnose whether they have an infection. But
they should only be used with the support and guidance of a patient's
physician.
2.
Ultrasound
exam: Ultrasounds can help evaluate
bladder and kidney problems as doctors are able to see whether there are
abnormalities in the bladder that could be contributing to the infections.
3.
X-rays: Using
a series of x-rays and a contrast dye to highlight abnormalities in the urinary
tract can help pin-point abnormalities.
4.
CAT scan: A
CAT scan provides a detailed three-dimensional picture of the urinary tract.
Patient suffering from UTIs must drink plenty
of fluids to flush the bacteria from their systems. Proper fluid intake makes
it harder for bacteria to live and multiply in the urinary tract. Older adults
drink four to six 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Drinking cranberry juice or
taking cranberry tablets can also make urine less inviting for bacteria.
Patient should keep the urine clear.
·
Drinking plenty of water is an important
prevention tactic.
·
Urinating promptly after the urge arises
·
Wiping front to back
·
Emptying the bladder shortly before and after
intercourse
·
Avoiding use of feminine products such as
deodorant sprays, douches and powders in the genital area that could irritate
the urethra
·
Taking showers instead of baths
·
Noticing a Change In Behaviour
REMEMBER; ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST
BEFORE TAKING ANY TABLET OR MEDICINE.
Dr. Imtiaz
Syed
M.B, B.S,
MBA, CRA, PCQI, CPC
LinkedIn:
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/imtiaz-syed/13/89/841
OpenDoor
Team member. www. OpenDoor.cc
Redditch,
Gloucestershire. UK.
Written by Unknown
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