Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infection In Older Adults
Certain factors may increase the risk of UTIs in older people.
Conditions common in older adults may lead to urinary retention or neurogenic bladder. This increases the risk of UTIs. These conditions include Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and diabetes.
They often require people to wear incontinence briefs. If the briefs arent changed regularly, an infection may occur.
Several other things put older adults at risk for developing a UTI:
- a history of UTIs
Drinking Plenty Of Fluids
Drinking lots of water is one of the best home treatments for UTI. Dehydration is itself a risk factor for developing a UTI, and regular urination can help remove bacteria from the urinary tract, which can help prevent infection.
In fact, studies show people who increase their water intake from less than 1.5 daily liters to 2.2 liters a day experience fewer UTIs.
Its commonly recommended to drink around 64 ounces of water daily, but everyones hydration needs are different. As a general rule, drink water throughout the day and whenever you feel thirsty.
When you are well-hydrated, your urine is typically clear or straw colored. You should also avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks when you have a UTI or want to prevent one.
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Urinate When The Need Arises
Frequent urination puts pressure on bacteria in the urinary tract, which can help to clear them out.
It also reduces the amount of time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of them attaching and forming an infection.
Always urinate as soon as possible when the urge strikes to and treat UTIs.
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Consider Switching Birth Control
Birth control methods with spermicides, as discussed above, have been linked to increased risk for UTIs. Additionally, other birth control methods, like intrauterine devices have also demonstrated to act as a source for recurrent UTIs. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control options or if you suspect your current contraceptive may be causing recurrent UTIs.
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A Balanced And Healthy Diet
Diet is also an essential factor to manage urinary related diseases and infections. Veterinarians mostly recommend Timothy hay.
Fresh green leafy vegetables can be given as a supplement with timothy hay. The occasional treat of fruits also can be added to the diet.
Pellets and diet rich in calcium should be avoided. Pellets are usually derived from alfalfa hay, which has a high content of calcium. That will increase the risk of kidney stones and form sludgy urine.
Green vegetables may also contain calcium, but it has a high content of water too.
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Bladder Infection Vs Kidney Infection
The main difference between a bladder infection and a kidney infection is when bacteria have built up and infected the urinary tract system. Although most kidney infections result from untreated bladder infections that migrate to the kidneys, a kidney infection can occur in other ways.
Overall, bladder infections are more common than kidney infections and considered less complicated, especially since kidney infections can lead to serious illness if infections spread through the bloodstream.
A critical difference between bladder infection and kidney infection symptoms is the increased likelihood of illness associated with the infection migrating to the kidneys. The signs and symptoms of a bladder infection that can remain the same even after the infection spreads to the kidneys include:
- A fever remaining under 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pain and pressure in the pelvis
- Painful or burning urination
- Dark and cloudy urine that may appear red from blood
- Bad-smelling urine
- Pain in the abdomen
Additional signs and symptoms that indicate an infection has spread to the kidneys include nausea, vomiting, chills, shaking, a fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and, particularly in the elderly, confusion.
/8cranberries May Help Prevent Utis
Although there is no conclusive research to suggest cranberries can treat or prevent UTI, some studies have indicated that unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements, or dried cranberries can reduce the risk of UTIs.
This is because cranberries contain proanthocyanidins , which may stop bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract lining.
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Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies Procedure In Dogs
Herbal Remedies
There are several safe herbs you can give a dog suffering from a urinary tract infection. You’ll find many anti-inflammatory herbs readily available in your local health food store. Juniper berries help to filter impurities in the kidneys causing your dog to urinate more while ridding the body of toxins which may cause the UTI or inflammation.
Urva ursi is a natural astringent that helps with any minor bleeding or inflammation. Parsley leaf is a diuretic that can also increase urine production, helping your dog rid their body of toxins causing pain and inflammation. Marshmallow root is a herb that may reduce bacteria levels and minimize inflammation.
Please be aware that herbal remedies can be toxic if provided in the wrong dose and it is important to consult your vet before considering them, as they may not be appropriate for your pet.
Diet Changes/Additions
Cranberries and blueberries are fruits that you can add to your dogs diet to support their urinary tract. Many high-quality dog foods will contain these ingredients already.
Apple cider vinegar can be added to your dogs water bowl in small amounts and may ward off infection. Balancing your dogs pH levels can also be accomplished by adding fresh lemon juice to their water bowl.
Supplements
Time for Rest
Diagnostic Tests To Rule Out Cat Uti
A urinalysis must be done as the first step for ruling out whether your cat has a bacterial infection thats causing the urinary symptoms like commonly peeing outside the litter box.
You should never just put your cat on an antibiotic since stress cystitis is the number one reason for cat urinary problems.
Other diagnostic tests your veterinarian may recommend include bladder ultrasound to rule out sludge and bladder stones, an abdominal radiograph to rule out bladder and kidney stones, and a urine culture.
A urine culture is very helpful to make sure the right antibiotics are used if your cat has bacteria in its urine on the urinalysis. Antibiotic resistance is, unfortunately, becoming a bigger issue and many commonly used antibiotics are not working as well.
Doing this test will speed up treatment and help your cat feel better, usually meaning less vet visits and expenses in the long term.
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Try Drinking Some Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
While the research is a bit unclear, cranberries have been used as a prevention of UTI for generations. Studies have shown that cranberries actually make it harder for the bacteria that cause UTIs to stick to the urinary tract walls. So, while not really a remedy, if you frequently get UTIs, it might be worth drinking a couple of glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice, or snacking on the actual fruit .
What Causes A Bladder Infection
Risk factors for developing bladder infections include:
- Frequent or recent sexual intercourse
- Use of spermicide-coated condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides alone for birth control
- Conditions such as kidney stones or ureteral reflux that block or change the flow of urine in the kidneys
- Structural or functional urinary tract abnormalities
- A genetic predisposition to UTIs
- Wiping the bottom from back to front after having a bowel movement
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How Do You Treat A Uti In Guinea Pigs
Posted on Last updated: June 23, 2022
Guinea pigs suffering from urinary tract infections are at severe risk. Though urinary tract infections are not a common problem, you should be concerned about your guinea pigs once infected. Treatment of UTI in guinea pigs can be easy if it is detected in the earlier stage. Else, it can lead to a life-threatening situation.
Urinary tract infections can be treated with proper antibiotic dosage but can infect your guinea pig again. So you need to take precautionary measures like increase the water intake, change of diet, and regularly observe for any symptoms. Cystitis bacterial infection is commonly occurring in urinary tract infections.
UTI is also accompanied by other urinary problems like sludge in the urine, kidney or bladder stones, or other kidney diseases. A detailed study of the urinary tract infections and related issues is discussed below.
Contents
Pet Insurance Can Help You And Your Pup
If youd rather leave UTI treatment to the experts especially if youre worried about your dog developing a bladder or urinary tract ailment, youre not alone. Bladder/urinary tract disease is one of the top 10 most vet-treated conditions for dogs,1,2 and continued treatment can hit your finances.
You may want to consider signing up for pet insurance as a proactive measure to lower your financial risk for potential health threats during your dogs lifetime. Why? Pet insurance is one of the best things you can do for your dog not only for the health of your pup, but to save you from financial trouble should an accident, illness, or pet emergency arise.
Humans have health insurance, so our furry friends should too. That way youll never have to choose between an expensive treatment and your pets suffering or even his life. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can make better and less emotional decisions in the face of a crisis.
Read about the best pet insurance providers to learn more.
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Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.
Will Supplements Cure A Uti
The ones listed above might help with prevention, but unfortunately theres no cure-all supplement that works for everyone. People ask about different things like pumpkin seeds and celery root, says Dr. Eilber. Id say theres probably no data about those things, but if you tried it and you tell me that its helped and its not harmful, Im totally fine with that. Just make sure you ask your doctor before you start taking any supplement in case it can trigger new symptoms or interfere with meds you take.
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Treatment Of Uti In Children
Your childs UTI will require prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent kidney damage. The type of bacteria causing your childs UTI and the severity of your childs infection will determine the type of antibiotic used and the length of treatment.
The most common antibiotics used for treatment of UTIs in children are:
- sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
If your child has a UTI thats diagnosed as a simple bladder infection, its likely that treatment will consist of oral antibiotics at home. However, more severe infections may require hospitalization and IV fluids or antibiotics.
Hospitalization may be necessary in cases where your child:
- is younger than 6 months old
- has a high fever that isnt improving
- likely has a kidney infection, especially if the child is very ill or young
- has a blood infection from the bacteria, as in sepsis
- is dehydrated, vomiting, or unable to take oral medications for any other reason
Pain medication to alleviate severe discomfort during urination also may be prescribed.
If your child is receiving antibiotic treatment at home, you can help ensure a positive outcome by taking certain steps.
Guinea Pig Urine Sludge
Guinea pig urinating cloudy, sandy, or sludgy urine is said to be suffering from hypercalciuria. That is due to excessive calcium deposits in the bladder.
An obvious question arises, what causes these calcium deposits in the bladder? Guinea pigs need very little calcium in their diet for healthy bones and ever-growing teeth.
Young guinea pigs require more calcium than adults. The excess of calcium absorbed from food is expelled through urine when it is filtered out by kidneys.
After the kidneys filter the calcium, it is passed into the bladder. The accumulation of calcium in the bladder causes the build-up of calcium on the bladder walls, which causes the sludgy or milky urine.
The sludge so formed when it moves through the urethra, guinea pig feels extreme pain, and the urethra swells up.
This sludgy urine and inflammation can lead to UTI. The steps to be taken to avoid such a situation are:
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How To Prevent Uti Re
Following some tips can help you avoid getting another UTI:
- Empty your bladder often as soon as you feel the need to pee donât rush, and be sure youâve emptied your bladder completely.
- Wipe from front to back after you use the toilet.
- Drink lots of water.
- Choose showers over baths.
- Stay away from feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented bath products theyâll only increase irritation.
- Cleanse your genital area before sex.
- Pee after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.
- If you use a diaphragm, unlubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly for birth control, you may want to switch to another method. Diaphragms can increase bacteria growth, while unlubricated condoms and spermicides can irritate your urinary tract. All can make UTI symptoms more likely.
- Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. Donââ¬â¢t wear tight jeans and nylon underwear they can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
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What Are Common Dog Uti Signs And Symptoms
It can be hard to tell if your dog is in pain, because they may not show any signs at all. However, if youre seeing bloody, cloudy or their urine has a strong smell, you dog may have a UTI.
You may also notice straining or crying during urination, accidents in the house, needing to urinate more frequently, increased water consumption, or licking around their back end excessively after urinating, youll need to get them checked out by your veterinarian to rule out a UTI.
Also, if you have a dog thats all of a sudden not house-broken, especially puppies, its important to get them checked out for a bacterial UTI.
An important distinction is UTI doesnt always mean an infection. It can mean urinary tract inflammation versus urinary tract infection.
There are many causes of lower urinary tract problems that can lead to the symptoms mentioned. If you notice a change in your dogs urinary habits, make sure to get them checked out.
Some of the other causes of dog UTI signsinclude:
- Bladder inflammation or infection
- Crystals or sludge in the bladder or urethra
- Congenital abnormalities like inverted vulvas
- Cancers like transitional cell carcinoma
This is why its so important to get your pet checked out by your veterinarian if youre noticing any of the mentioned dog UTI symptoms.
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What Are Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies
Urinary tract infections are uncomfortable and potentially harmful to your dog. Diagnosing a UTI early and obtaining the proper treatment is important for the dog’s comfort and overall health.
Natural remedies can help in the treatment of UTIs, and are especially effective in the early stages. Before giving your dog a natural remedy for UTIs, contact a veterinarian. UTIs often require medical care, especially if there’s an established bacterial infection. In this case, natural remedies will cure the UTI, and only prescription antibiotics and veterinary treatment will remedy the infection.
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to the development of urinary bladder stones , which can be very painful and sometimes require surgery to remove.
Ways To Conquer Painful Uti Symptoms
Did you know that females are up to 30âthirty!âtimes as likely to get a urinary tract infection as males are? Theres a whole list of things to love about being a woman, but the increased likelihood of having a UTI isnt one of them.
Painful symptoms can make UTIs burdensome and inconvenient. So lets talk about the home remedies and medications that could help you manage UTI symptoms or cure a UTI.
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Top 12 Natural Home Remedies For Uti
Urinary tract infections are some of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all infections. More than 50 percent of women will develop a UTI and UTI symptoms in their lifetimes, and because antibiotics are the most common conventional treatment for UTIs, bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant and recurring infections are a major concern. For this reason, its important to use home remedies for UTIs that eliminate bacteria completely and reduce the risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections.
Some of the best home remedies for UTI include drinking plenty of fluids, staying clean and dry, and consuming things like cranberries, probiotics, vitamin C and using essential oils. Read on for all 12 of my top home remedies for UTI.
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For lack of space, Ive included only a few bladder infection remedies from which to choose, because theyre the most common. If you dont get good results, then contact your homeopath who has other bladder infection remedies that might more closely suit you.
Meanwhile, youre likely to cure yourself without the mallet of drugs that damage your gut and perhaps even your longterm health.
Once youve chosen the correct bladder infection remedy based on symptoms that are presenting, use it in the 30th potency every 3-4 hours. If symptoms are severe, the selected remedy may be given every 1-3 hours. Stop when theres significant improvement. This may take up to 4 doses.
If theres no change, then consider the next best choice. In either case, once you make your choice, stay with it until it proves incorrect.
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