Summary: As seniors age, the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) increases. UTIs can cause pain and are associated with high blood pressure. Seniors should work with their physician to monitor blood pressure levels while receiving treatment. UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria and are common in older women. Incontinence, catheter use, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of UTIs.
Symptoms may include increased urination, pain while urinating, abdominal pain, fever, and blood in urine. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections and permanent kidney damage, which can cause high blood pressure. UTIs are treated with antibiotics, and symptoms like confusion may be managed with antipsychotics. Hydration, proper hygiene, and lifestyle modifications can help prevent UTIs in seniors.
The risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) increases with age. A UTI that causes pain can be associated with high blood pressure. Seniors with a UTI should work with their physician to monitor their blood pressure levels as they are being treated.
What is a UTI?
The body expels waste from foods and drinks. The urinary tract consists of organs, including the kidneys, ureter, urethra, and bladder, that filter and eliminate waste through urine. Kidneys separate toxins from food and drink and move the waste in urine through the bladder until it’s released through the urethra.
The urinary tract is susceptible to infections and obstructions. A UTI can affect people of any age but is common in the elderly population. Over 10 percent of women over the age of 65 report this infection each year—and the rate of occurrence increases with age.
What causes a UTI in seniors?
The most common cause of a UTI is E. coli bacteria (causing a UTI in 90 percent of sufferers). E. coli is present in stool and in the large intestine. In older women, estrogen deficiency causes an overgrowth of E. coli bacteria and raises their risk of infection.
Older adults can develop a UTI when they are fitted with a catheter (a tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body, allowing urine to drain) and other organisms are present. Due to this reason, UTIs are common conditions affecting the elderly living in long-term care facilities.
Bowel and bladder incontinence elevate seniors’ risks for developing UTIs. Wearing incontinence briefs and not changing them enough can cause this infection. Conditions, like dementia and diabetes, can lead to a lack of bladder control and increase the chances of getting a UTI.
What are symptoms of a UTI in the elderly?
Symptoms of a UTI manifest differently in the elderly. This may be due to their weaker blood vessels supplying the brain. A set of unique symptoms result, such as hallucinations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, and social withdrawal. Seniors experience these symptoms as well as typical symptoms.
The typical symptoms that affect UTI sufferers of any age include increased urination, pain and burning while urinating, lower abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Blood may appear in the urine and the individual feels their bladder is not empty despite urinating.
Can a UTI cause high blood pressure?
An untreated UTI in the elderly can spread to the kidneys and cause a long-lasting kidney infection. The prolonged infection can potentially damage the kidneys permanently. The outcomes of an untreated UTI can change the way the kidneys function, leading to kidney scars—and high blood pressure.
Permanent kidney damage can be life-threatening. The older patient will be put on antibiotics to treat the kidney infection. Seniors who experience a high fever, severe pain, or are unable to keep down fluids may be admitted to a healthcare facility until their infection clears.
Long-term kidney infections raise the C-RP level in the senior’s body. The C-RP (C-Reactive Protein) is a protein produced by the liver. Normally, an aging person has low levels of C-RP in their blood. When inflammation occurs, the liver releases more C-RP into the body.
High levels of C-RP mean that the senior suffers from a serious health condition that causes inflammation. The body’s inflammatory response is designed to protect tissues and heal from infections. Inflammation, whether external or internal, can be sudden or temporary.
How is a UTI treated?
Aging adults with a UTI are given antibiotics, which kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. If a fungus is causing the UTI, the physician may prescribe an antifungal medication. Elderly patients must adhere to the drug regimen, even if they begin to feel better, to destroy all the bacteria.
The unique symptoms elderly individuals may experience when a UTI develops, such as delirium or confusion, may be treated with antipsychotics until the infection clears. Antipsychotics curb the aging patient’s agitation, distress, and other symptoms, while reducing their risk of injury.
Read more care and treatment information, read How Seniors Can Recover From A UTI
How is a UTI prevented?
Seniors can reduce their risk of developing a UTI and the possible elevation of blood pressure by modifying their choices. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Seniors should reduce their intake of caffeine and alcohol or eliminate them from their diet altogether.
When using the bathroom, wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of transferring E. coli. Older adults who wear incontinence pads must change them regularly, especially when they become wet. Caregivers can ensure their aging care recipients wear clean incontinence garments and stay hygienic.
Although UTIs are common in the elderly, individuals can take steps to prevent these infections or treat them as soon as they occur. Caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care can recognize symptoms of a UTI in seniors, especially those with dementia who cannot clearly communicate pain.
Our home care agency is staffed with compassionate caregivers who are experienced in elder home care. We provide a range of in-home care services that support the physical, emotional, and social health of seniors. Caregivers meet the daily needs of care recipients in the comfort of their homes.
Responsibilities include grocery shopping, healthy meal preparation, and light housekeeping. We transport and escort seniors to the doctor’s office if they show signs of a UTI or suffer any other health condition. If medication is prescribed, caregivers provide timely medication reminders.
Our dedicated caregivers are available to provide a wide range of non-medical care services. Options include overnight care, respite care, post-surgical care, and skilled dementia care. We’re also pleasant companions who keep seniors socially engaged with conversations, games, and outings.
Assisting Hands Home Care is trusted by families with seniors living in Aurora, Illinois, and the surrounding communities. Our licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers deliver exceptional elder care. Schedule a free in-home consult today at (630) 948-8193 and learn how senior care enhances quality of life.