Urinary Tract Infections Can Become A Serious Problem For Older Adults

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria in the bladder or the kidney multiplies in the urine. The above mentioned symptoms might mask the most common affectations, such as a burning sensation, during urination, night sweats, a low-grade fever, or bloody or cloudy urine. So, it becomes important for caregivers to take their loved ones to the doctor when experiencing those mental deficiency signs and when experiencing the more common symptoms of a UTI.

How does bacteria find its way into the kidneys, ureters or bladder? Hygiene is a factor, as those who have incontinence wear adult briefs that can foster such bacteria. It's important to know how the kidneys break down urea and other waste products from the blood to create filtrate, which is collected in the nephrons and renal tubules of the kidneys and becomes urine. If the kidneys do not filter the blood properly, bacteria can find its way into the renal tubules creating the UTI that you are trying to avoid.

UTI's are no laughing matter for older adults. They can lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening bloodstream infection. Why would your senior have a UTI? Individuals with diabetes can be more susceptible to UTI's, as can those who use urinary catheters, or have bowel incontinence or kidney stones. If your loved one has bowel incontinence, and wears adult briefs, he or she is even more at risk for coming down with at UTI.

So what can you do to help prevent a UTI? Obviously, you want to change the briefs frequently. You should also encourage front to back cleansing of the genital area. Also, the introduction of cranberry juice can help eliminate a UTI from your loved one's system. However, do not have him or her drink cranberry juice if your loved one is on blood thinning medications.