Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults but are often misdiagnosed. This is because UTIs don’t always show the same symptoms as they do in younger patients, and some of those symptoms can be attributed to other issues. This can lead to complications if treatment is sought later. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what UTIs are and how they affect residents in retirement communities in Mandeville, LA, so you can take action if your loved one experiences them regularly.
What Are UTIs In Seniors?
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections of the urinary tract. UTIs can be caused by bacteria and often occur when bacteria travel up from the rectum to the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body).
Bacteria are normally found in your intestines and vagina as part of normal bowel movements and vaginal discharge. When they enter your bladder through sex or dirty underwear, they multiply quickly and cause an infection that causes pain while peeing or during sex; frequent urination; a burning sensation when you pee; blood in the urine; chills/fever.
Who Is At Risk For UTIs?
- Women are at greater risk for UTIs, as they have shorter urethras and, therefore, a higher chance of bacteria entering the bladder.
- People who are immunocompromised, such as those with chronic illnesses or who have had an organ transplant, may also be at greater risk for UTIs.
- Obesity is another risk factor for developing UTIs because it can lead to urinary incontinence. This can allow the vagina or rectum bacteria to travel up into your urethra (the tube connecting your bladder with your genitals). It’s also possible that these types of infections are more likely among obese people because they tend not to drink enough water or exercise regularly-both, habits that help prevent them from developing in other populations as well.
- Diabetes patients may have an increased risk for UTIs because their bodies don’t regulate blood sugar well enough; this causes inflammation inside organs like kidneys (which filter wastes out of blood), making it easier for bacteria to build up there too!
Why Are UTIs A Problem For Seniors?
UTIs are a common problem for older adults. They’re the most common type of infection that people over 65 experience.
Why? Because as we age, our bodies become less able to fight off infections-and UTIs are no exception. In addition to this natural decline in immunity (which is why seniors get sick more often), several other factors make UTI management more difficult for older adults:
- They have weaker bladders and tend to urinate less frequently than younger adults do; this means bacteria can stay longer in the bladder before being flushed out through urination
- Their immune systems may not recognize certain types of bacteria as invaders (or they may not be able to mount an effective response)
- Some medications can interfere with normal kidney function or slow down the urinary flow
How To Prevent UTIs From Developing In Your Loved One
Preventing UTIs is the best way to ensure your loved one is comfortable and healthy in Mandeville, LA Retirement Communities. There are several things you can do to help prevent UTIs from developing in your loved one:
- Get them out of their chair as often as possible. Encourage them to walk around and move their legs, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.
- Make sure they drink plenty of fluids (about eight glasses per day), especially when sick or inactive for long periods. Don’t forget to offer water when they’re eating meals-it will help them digest better!
- If necessary, use incontinence pads or liners to catch urine leaks before reaching the skin area where bacteria could grow into an infection.
