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Urinary Tract Infection – Watch Out!

Urinary Tract Infection is not something we commonly talk about or share with others. But as we age it is a health condition that occurs more frequently while its symptoms become less defined. It occurs in both older men and women, but women have more infections because of body structure, with their urethras being shorter. 

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? It is an infection caused by bacteria. These bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra (the tube from the bladder that urine passes through). The bacteria move upward and can infect the bladder and sometime the kidneys. It can even progress to life threatening sepsis, in which the blood becomes infected. 

Classic symptoms of a UTI are burning pain with urination, increased need to urinate, and fever. According to a 2022 study of UTIs posted on the National Library of Health, "UTI manifests more commonly and specifically in this age group [aging adults] as delirium or confusion in the absence of fever." Thus, changes in someone’s demeanor or mental state may be caused by a UTI. This is important knowledge that may be overlooked because of the lack of typical UTI symptoms seen in younger folks.  As Villager Karen Bagnard observes, “UTI is a bitch.”

Other health conditions common in an older population increase the risk of UTI’s. These include dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, diabetes, and incontinence. Post menopausal women have a higher risk because of decreased level of estrogen. Men’s increased risk includes factors such as bladder or kidney stones and enlarged and/or infected prostate. 

A UTI for an older adult is more of a challenge to diagnose because of lack of symptoms that are usually felt by a younger person. A doctor can order a urinalysis, but what can we do to be proactive about these nasty UTI’s?

At-home tests are now easily available and affordable. Kits containing test strips with individual strips start at about 15 cents per strip. Some kits have more elaborate test strips, collection cups, etc. These can be ordered online and are available in local pharmacies without prescriptions. If one’s test strip reveals a possible infection, the next step is a fuller urinalysis at your doctor’s.  

How can you help to prevent UTI’s? Good hygiene is very important. Wiping from front to back after toileting, along with thorough hand washing is a good first step. Daily showering or bathing is recommended. Keep urine flowing by drinking plenty of water and voiding when needed. Frequent changes of adult pads are optimal if incontinence is present.  Women may also consider a low dose vaginal estrogen cream. 

This is a subject in which we need to be informed and be able to advocate for ourselves. That includes the knowledge that we can easily test ourselves if needed.