Symptoms of bladder infection in the elderly

Symptoms of bladder infection in the elderly

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Urinary tract infection in the elderly

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) also known as bladder infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people every year. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial or fungal infection and can occur in any part of the urinary system including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon. UTIs are very common in elderly people and may cause severe symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, delirium, or behaviour changes.

What causes bladder infection in the elderly?

Elderly people are more susceptible to developing bladder infections or Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) for several reasons, typically when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply and infect the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria, but sometimes, the immune system fails causing bacteria to take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.

There are several causes of bladder infections in the elderly which include:

Weakened immune system which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and infect the bladder.
Incontinence, a medical condition with reduced ability to control urination and bowel movements can increase the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Dehydration which is the most common and neglected cause of bladder infection in older people.
Some medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and diabetes can lead to urinary retention and lack of bladder control which increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Estrogen deficiency in elderly women can lead to an overgrowth of the E. coli bacteria which normally lives in the colon and causes infection in the Urinary tract.
Poor hygiene habits also can increase the risk of developing a UTI in elderly people.

What are the Symptoms of bladder infection in the elderly?

Symptoms of bladder infection or a UTI are very similar for people of all age groups, which may include:

Sudden changes in urinary habits (such as increased frequency or urgency)
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Pain or tenderness in the pelvis, lower back, or abdomen in women
Urine with strong foul odour and sometimes blood in urine
Fever, nausea and fatigue

In addition to these symptoms, elderly people with bladder infection or UTI may show some mental symptoms that include signs of behavioural changes such as confusion, anxiety, lethargy, sleep issues, delirium, agitation, hallucinations, withdrawal or violent behaviour.

What are the symptoms of sepsis from a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the elderly?

As the name suggests, sepsis can occur as a complication of a urinary tract infection (UTI), caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and causing an infection. Sepsis from a urinary tract infection (UTI) is the body’s extreme response to infection, and used to be called earlier as blood poisoning.

Symptoms of sepsis from a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the elderly can include:

Confusion and tiredness, a major sign of sepsis in older people
Fever with shivering or chills
Extreme pain or discomfort during urination, a symptom specific to a UTI
Rapid heart beat and difficulty breathing
Low blood pressure

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment, to prevent serious complications, such as organ failure or septic shock. Sepsis can damage the organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, or kidneys, and can even be fatal.

How to manage symptoms of urinary tract infection in elderly?

Elderly people are more susceptible to developing bladder infections or Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) for several reasons and some infections become very complicated.

Treatment options involve a broad spectrum of antibiotics, IV fluids, supportive care and preventive measures to effectively manage symptoms and prevent complications such as organ failure or septic shock.

Here are some tips to effectively manage symptoms of urinary tract infection in elderly:

Medications involving antibiotics and pain relievers: A course of antibiotics usually clears up a bladder infection quickly, and pain relievers can help with pain, discomfort or fever.
Drinking enough fluids, especially water to help flush out the bacteria.
Using a heating pad or a bottle with hot water can help with pelvic pain and back pain in women.
Taking probiotics under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the urinary tract.
Supplements of Vitamin C intake can make urine more acidic, which prevents bacteria from reproducing and spreading.
Maintaining proper hygiene is very crucial to keep infections away.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) also known as bladder infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people every year. Bladder infections are very common in elderly people and may cause severe symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, delirium, or behaviour changes. Elderly people are more susceptible to developing bladder infections due to weakened immune system, incontinence, dehydration, estrogen deficiency in elderly women, poor hygiene habits, some medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and diabetes. Treatment options such as antibiotics, IV fluids, supportive care and preventive measures will help to effectively manage symptoms and prevent complications such as organ failure or septic shock. However, some tips and home remedies like drinking enough fluids, especially water, taking probiotics (under the guidance of a healthcare professional), taking vitamin c supplements, and maintaining proper hygiene will greatly reduce the risk of bladder infections or urinary tract infections in the elderly people.