Urinary Tract Infections

Typically, urinary tract infections cause symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, strong smelling urine, and pelvic or rectal pain. The elderly may display different symptoms such as sudden incontinence, confusion, agitation, and loss of balance. Overall health may decline and there could be nausea and vomiting.

Urinary tract infections occur in any portion of the urinary tract; they are most serious when the kidneys are involved. The kidneys could become infected, or the infection may attack the bladder. Commonly, only the urethra is involved. Urinary tract infections should be promptly treated so they don't spread up to the kidneys where more serious damage can occur.

Urinary tract infections can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test. If an elderly person suddenly has a change in behavior or their health declines, even if no other symptoms are present, an infection should be considered. When a diagnosis is confirmed, the condition can easily be treated with antibiotics.

Some people are more prone to urinary tract infections than others. Those who have frequent infections may want to consider taking preventative steps. Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis can help so the urinary tract stays flushed out. Cranberry juice is also recommended. It is also important to wipe from the front to the back as not to spread bacteria from bowel movements. In addition, the area should be kept clean and dry.

Those wearing adult diapers should change diapers frequently to lessen the risk of bacterial growth that spreads to the skin and urinary opening. Also, it is important to urinate when the urge arises and not hold urine for prolonged times. It may also be beneficial to take showers rather than tub baths and to avoid the use of feminine hygiene sprays.

Most urinary tract infections do not lead to serious complications and are cleared up within a day or two once medical treatment is undertaken. The elderly may be more susceptible to complications, especially if the infection is not recognized and treated early enough. In some cases, hospitalization and aggressive treatment of the infection may be necessary. When drugs are prescribed for a urinary tract infection, it is important to take them for the full duration of time prescribed and not stop them when symptoms go away. This can lead to recurrent infections that get progressively more difficult to treat.

It often relies upon caregivers to suspect urinary tract infections in the elderly, especially in the case of people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Prevention also lies in the hands of caregivers since proper hygiene goes a long way towards preventing these infections.