Urinary Tract Infections And Dementia
UTIs can cause sudden confusion in older people and people with dementia. If the person has a sudden and unexplained change in their behaviour, such as increased confusion, agitation, or withdrawal, this may be because of a UTI.
The person may not be able to communicate how they feel, therefore it is helpful to be familiar with the symptoms of UTIs and seek medical help to ensure they get the correct treatment.
It is also important to be aware that any infection could speed up the progression of dementia and so all infections should be identified and treated quickly.
UTIs and delirium
Why You Should Never Ignore The Symptoms Of A Uti
According to the NIH, urinary tract infections are the most common infection in the U.S. Half of women have at least one UTI in their lifetimes. Men are susceptible, too, although their longer ureters protect their urinary tract from bacteria and other pathogens.
How do you know if you have a UTI? The experts at Rose Family Practice and Urgent Care in Vancouver and Battle Ground, Washington, recommend you contact them for a UTI evaluation if you experience symptoms such as:
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Frequent urination, small amounts of urine at a time
- Urine thats pink, red, or brown
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen, lower back, or pelvis
- Urine that smells strange
- Fatigue, fever, or chills
Most UTIs can be resolved with a course of antibiotics. Not treating a UTI can spread the infection and cause serious and even life-threatening health issues.
Some UTIs dont have symptoms. If you already know that youre prone to UTIs, staying on top of your health with regular exams at Rose Family Practice will help keep infections in check, protect the health of your other organs, and minimize your risk for chronic UTIs.
If you do have symptoms, get help right way. Consequences of an untreated UTI include:
Why Are Urinary Tract Infections Common In Older Adults
Seniors are more vulnerable for many reasons, including their overall susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system.
As you get older, your immune response changes its part of normal aging, explains Anna Dowd, APN, a gerontological nurse practitioner in the greater Chicago area.
According to the National Institutes of Health , the following conditions make older individuals more susceptible to UTIs:
- Urine retention
- Use of a urinary catheter
- Bowel incontinence
- Urinary incontinence
- Surgery of any area around the bladder
People with incontinence are at an increased risk for UTIs because of the close contact that adult briefs and other incontinence products have with their skin. While these products can help contain messes and prevent embarrassment associated with accidents, they can also introduce bacteria into the urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs because the female urethra is much shorter, allowing bacteria to travel to the bladder more easily.
Recommended Reading: What Is Azo Urinary Pain Relief
What Does It Mean When You Urinate Blood Clots
As surprising as it may be, seeing a little blood in urine may actually be harmless. But the odds arent always in your favor.
Urinating blood clots can mean a variety of problems, including urinary tract infection . Its one of the most common causes of blood in the urine, so it is expected when youre experiencing UTI.
But just because its common under certain circumstances doesnt mean you dont need to seek medical attention. Thats why you should also look out for other symptoms that may come with it.
Also Check: Azo Cranberry Urinary Tract Health 100 Softgels
Blood In Urine May Be Associated With Different Causes Such As Kidney Stones Urinary Stone And Urinary Tract Infection Be Informed To Get Adequate Treatment
If you are peeing blood, you may be concerned about why it happens and what happens next. It can be a scary situation to see blood in the urine, because urine is normally light-colored and clear. However, although it may be caused by a variety of factors, it is rarely life threatening in itself.
Itâs medically known as hematuria. This may occur as having pink, bright red, or brownish blood while urinating. In some people however, hematuria may be discovered only as a laboratory finding, when only very few blood cells are seen in the urine under microscopic examination. In any case, it is not normal to see blood in urine, so it is best to consult a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment of its underlying cause.
Hematuria is usually not accompanied by other symptoms, although in some, depending on the underlying cause, pain may be present while urinating.
You May Like: What Is Urinary Tract Health
How Is Urosepsis Treated
Its easy to treat a UTI effectively when its caught early. For a UTI, your doctor will order you to drink lots of water and take antibiotics. Antibiotics are standard treatment. Theyre normally very effective at clearing bacteria from the urinary tract. You must take all antibiotics your doctor prescribes you for the treatment to work.
Treatment for urosepsis is more complex, however. The earlier you are treated for urosepsis, the better. The goal of treatment is to stabilize your body and remove the source of infection.
Medications used to treat urosepsis also include antibiotics. You should take them immediately after youre diagnosed with . Antibiotics will help rid your body of the bacteria that led to your urosepsis.
Some people may need surgery to remove the source of infection, such as pus from an abscess.
If your urosepsis isnt treated promptly, you will require close monitoring and treatment in a hospital intensive care unit. There, youll receive:
Nursing Homes In Ky Have A Duty To Provide Nursing Home Residents With Reasonable Care
A nursing home may be negligent if the staff members fail to:
- Change catheters frequently and according to protocol.
- Keep up with the hygiene of a nursing home resident.
- Change soiled sheets or undergarments promptly.
- Monitor residents for symptoms of UTIs.
- Get prompt medical help for any patient who may have a UTI.
- Administer medication as prescribed by a doctor.
Any of the factors may be more likely if the nursing home is insufficiently staffed or if the staff that are working there do not have adequate training to prevent UTIs and to recognize symptoms of UTIs.
Recommended Reading: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Cause Urinary Tract Infections
Uti In The Elderly: Signs Symptoms And Treatments
Urinary tract infections arent just a nuisance in the senior populationthey can cause serious health problems. A UTI occurs when bacteria in the urethra, bladder or kidneys multiplies in the urine. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections, which could permanently damage these vital organs and even lead to kidney failure. UTIs are also a leading cause of , an extreme and potentially life-threatening response to an infection.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Utis
UTIs can cause such signs as:
- pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing
- an increased urge or more frequent need to pee
- waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom
- belly pain in the area of the bladder
- foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood
If you have any symptoms of a UTI, youll need to go to a doctor right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less uncomfortable youll be. Call your doctors office or clinic. If you cant reach your doctor, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The most important thing is to take action as soon as possible.
Read Also: What Causes Urinary Incontinence At Night
What If The Infection Does Not Clear Up With Treatment
Most infections clear up with treatment. However, if an infection does not clear up, or if you have repeated infections, you may be given some special tests such as:
-
a type of x-ray called an intravenous pyleogram , which involves injecting a dye into a vein and taking pictures of your kidney and bladder
-
an ultrasound exam, which gives a picture of your kidneys and bladder using sound waves
-
a cytoscopic exam, which uses a hollow tube with special lenses to look inside the bladder.
How To Feel Better
If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:
- Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
- Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
Read Also: Signs Of Mens Urinary Tract Infection
Recommended Reading: Coffee And Urinary Tract Infections
What Are The Symptoms
It may be hard to figure out if a loved one has a UTI or not, because they may not have the classic symptoms. This is because urinary problems, such as incontinence, may have similar symptoms related to another issue, making it more difficult to recognize.
The classic, or common, symptoms of a UTI can include:
- Burning while urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- A feeling the bladder is not completely empty
Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections
A UTI is caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. The urinary tract is where our bodies make and expel urine and is made up of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. You can get an infection in the lower or upper part of the urinary tract. Upper UTIs are potentially more serious because there is a risk of kidney damage and in acute cases can cause kidney failure or blood poisoning. Urinary tract infection is a term used to cover a variety of infections.
The three main causes of UTIs are:
- Cystitis infection in the bladder
- Urethritis infection in the urethra
- Pyelonephritis infection in the kidney
Recommended Reading: Urinary Incontinence In Young Women
Why Is My Female Dog Suddenly Peeing In The House
Urinary tract infections, cystitis , bladder stones, kidney disease, or arthritis or age-related incontinence could all be the cause of house soiling in a dog. In addition, diarrhea or other intestinal problems may make it difficult for pets to go outside.
A lot of dogs prefer to pee in the house. If your dog suddenly started peeing in the house, here are five behavioral explanations. It is possible to diagnose and treat urinary tract issues with the assistance of a veterinarian. Incontinence is more common in older dogs, but it can also affect younger ones. Why do dogs pee in front of people? If you have a dog, it may be able to respond to certain changes in the home by peeing in the house. How can you stop your Boxer/Pitbull mix from peeing in your bed?
When your dog suddenly starts peeing on the couch, there are a few reasons. Your dog can never be near the spot where he used to pee if the odor of an enzymatic cleaner is completely removed. When dogs get older, they are more prone to incontinence. It is most common in older dogs and can be difficult to manage, but medications can be used to manage it. You may find it difficult for your dog to adjust to a new environment if they have been accustomed to peeing in a certain area for a long time. If your dog is used to peeing outside before moving, you may need to re-train him to do so after moving. When theyre outside, make sure theyre getting to where they need to be when theyre peeing.
What Happens If A Uti Isnt Treated
Without antibiotics, the infection will spread through your entire urinary system. Once it hits your kidneys, it can be fatal.
Your kidneys are connected straight to your heart. Any untreated infection in the kidney will pass into the largest vein in your body.
Infections in the bloodstream cause sepsis. The immune response to .
Recommended Reading: How Does Cranberry Juice Help Urinary Tract Infections
How To Know When A Uti Turns Into A Kidney Infection
The main job of the kidney, a part of the urinary tract, is to remove waste and take extra water from your blood.
When bacteria or viruses create problems in either one or both of your kidneys, its known as a kidney infection.
This can easily happen when bad bacteria or viruses travel up your urethra.
When a kidney infection is left untreated, it can become life threatening, so its important that you seek medical attention immediately if you notice blood or pus in your pee, pain in your lower back, upset stomach or vomiting, fever and chills or loss of appetite.
A Urologist Talks About The Perils Of Untreated Urinary Tract Infection
Urology Specialist Group Contents A Urologist Talks About the Perils of Untreated Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection might just be the most common infection in the country, affecting more than 80 million adult Americans and ultimately responsible for nearly 10 million doctor visits every year. While the infection is easily treatable with antibiotics, the probability of recurrence is almost 20%. The worst part is, those who suffer repeated bouts of UTI are at more risk of their bodies developing a life-threatening response called sepsis, otherwise known as blood poisoning your bodys overtly active way to fight off infection.
What is Urinary Tract Infection ?
As the name implies, UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system. Despite the fact that women are more susceptible to it than men, the risk of men getting infected increases as they age.
UTI is generally caused by certain strains of bacteria residing and multiplying anywhere in the patients urinary tract. The urinary tract is mainly composed of your kidneys, pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra. For this reason, UTI is also known by the following names: cystitis , urethritis , and pyelonephritis .
Most UTIs are not considered serious. However, leaving it untreated can lead to more serious medical problems. Infection can likely spread to your kidneys and blood stream causing permanent damage, and even death.
UTI: A Silent Killer
Also Check: Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms In Elderly Woman
Is Bleeding Normal With A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is a very common infection. It can occur anywhere in your urinary tract, which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and affect the bladder and urethra.
When your urinary tract is infected, it can be painful to pee. You might feel a persistent urge to urinate, even after youve gone to the bathroom. Your pee might look cloudy and smell unusual, too.
A UTI can also cause bloody urine, which is also called hematuria. But once your infection is treated, bleeding from a UTI should go away.
In this article, well discuss how UTIs cause bleeding, along with other symptoms and treatment.
Read Also: How To Self Treat Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infections In Women
UTIs are common, particularly with increasing age. Women are more likely to get a UTI than men. Nearly 1 in 3 women will have a UTI needing treatment before the age of 24.
In women, the urethra is short and straight, making it easier for germs to travel into the bladder. For some women, UTIs relate to changes in their hormonal levels. Some are more likely to get an infection during certain times in their menstrual cycle, such as just before a period or during pregnancy.
In older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier with age as well as after menopause or a hysterectomy. This can be linked to increased UTIs.
During pregnancy, the drainage system from the kidney to the bladder widens so urine does not drain as quickly. This makes it easier to get a UTI. Sometimes germs can move from the bladder to the kidney causing a kidney infection. UTIs during pregnancy can result in increased blood pressure, so it is very important to have them treated as soon as possible.
Women are more at risk of repeated UTIs if they:
- use spermicide jelly or diaphragm for contraception
- have had a new sexual partner in the last year
- had their first UTI at or before 15 years of age
- have a family history of repeated UTIs, particularly their mother
- suffer from constipation
You May Like: How To Fix Urinary Incontinence
How To Get Rid Of A Urinary Tract Infection
Can a UTI go away on its own? Unfortunately, no. Ignoring the problem wont make it go away.
At the very least, you need to flush your system with fluids and control the pain. But that is not a guarantee that it will vanish.
The best way to get rid it is to talk to a doctor. Treating yourself for an infection can lead to unfortunate complications.
Are you concerned about a possible UTI? Visit Oxford Urgent Care. Our staff will help treat it.
Who Is More Likely To Develop Hematuria
People who are more likely to develop hematuria may
- have an enlarged prostate
- take certain medications, including blood thinners, aspirin and other pain relievers, and antibiotics
- do strenuous exercise, such as long-distance running
- have a bacterial or viral infection, such as streptococcus or hepatitis
- have a family history of kidney disease
- have a disease or condition that affects one or more organs
You May Like: Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Guidelines
How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections In Men
Younger men cant do too much in terms of preventing a UTI, according to Trost. But older men can take a few steps to lower their risk. One of the best defense mechanisms against UTIs is to completely empty the bladder every time you urinate, says urologist Howard B. Goldman MD, professor and institute vice chairman for quality at the Glickman Urologic and Kidney Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
Its also important to drink lots of fluids, especially water, every day. If you already have a UTI, drinking plenty of fluids can help push the bacteria out of the urinary tract and in some very mild UTI cases, that could be enough to treat it. But if you notice any of the signs of a UTI, it’s still very important to head to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
Without proper UTI treatment, the infection can quickly spread and become a serious and sometimes even fatal threat. So don’t brush off symptoms like frequent urination or a burning sensation when you urinate, and don’t assume that you can’t get a UTI just because you’re a man. Its important that you get these symptoms checked out promptly, too.