UTI Challenges in Older Adults
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a problem many of us will face as we get older. Although they are one of the most common infections experienced by both older men and women, UTIs can sometimes be tricky to spot and a challenge to live with, particularly when they keep happening.
- UTIs are common in older people, particularly if they are unwell
- Many older people have to deal with repeated UTIs
- As we get older UTI symptoms can sometimes become more general and may go unnoticed or be misdiagnosed.
If UTIs are left untreated they can lead to serious complications, so it is important to not only watch out for the typical UTI symptoms but also the more general symptoms sometimes seen in older adults.
1 in 10 Women
1 in 20 MenWhy are older adults more susceptible to UTIs?
A UTI develops when micro-organisms enter the urinary tract and grow in your urine causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E.coli), which normally live in your bowels are one of the most common causes of UTIs.
The body usually has ways of protecting itself against urinary tract infections, but for older adults there are a range of factors that make UTIs more likely, including:
Hormonal changes in older women
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when there is a natural drop in the levels of the female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) in the body.
These hormonal changes are linked to the typical menopause symptoms many people are familiar with, such as hot flushes or a racing heart, but they can also affect the urinary system and may make UTIs more likely during and after menopause. For example, low oestrogen levels may make the tissues of the bladder thinner and drier or make it difficult to fully empty the bladder.
Urine flow problems in older males
Men can get UTIs particularly in older age when they are more likely to have trouble controlling their urine flow. For example, an inflamed or enlarged prostate gland (which is a common problem as men get older) can block or restrict the normal flow of urine causing a build-up of stale urine in the bladder, making a UTI more likely.
Changes to the immune system
As we get older, our natural defence against infections (the immune system) changes, making it easier for bacteria to multiply and cause infections such as UTIs. Older people are also more likely to have other health conditions, such as diabetes, that may also affect the immune system making it harder for the body to fight off a UTI.
Other health-related problems
There are a range of other health-related problems that may make older people more prone to UTIs, including:
- Problems with incontinence
- Constipation
- Some medications
- Certain health conditions, such as those that may limit day-to-day activities or affect memory, learning and concentration (such as dementia)
- Having a condition that needs a bladder catheter to drain urine away
- Urinary tract surgery.
Learn more about other causes of UTIs
What are the symptoms of UTIs in older adults?
UTI symptoms in older adults can be similar to those in younger people, which typically include:
- Pain or burning sensations when urinating
- The need to urinate more often than normal
- Urgently needing to urinate
- Not being able to fully empty your bladder
- Smelly, dark coloured or cloudy urine
- Pain or tenderness in your pelvis, lower back or abdomen.
Sometimes there are other UTI symptoms specific to older adults, such as:
- Just feeling generally unwell, tired or irritable
- Having problems with urine leakage before and during the infection
- Being suddenly confused or changes in normal behaviour
- Having pain in their hands
- Feeling dizzy or having a fall.
It’s important for you to watch out for UTI symptoms specific to older adults. If you suspect a UTI, it’s best to see a healthcare provider and get things checked. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications.
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back pain or pain on your sides (in the kidney area)
- Not passing urine all day
- Trouble breathing
- Have blood in the urine
- Feel very confused or drowsy.
How can UTIs be prevented in older adults?
The following simple day-to-day tips may help to reduce the risk of a UTI:
- Drink lots of liquids, especially water, to help stay hydrated and dilute your urine
- Empty your bladder regularly to help flush any bacteria away
- Prevent constipation
- Try to prevent bacteria spreading from your bowels to your urinary tract by:
- Wiping from front to back after going to the toilet
- Keeping your genital area clean and dry
- Talking to your doctor or nurse for advice if incontinence is a problem
- If you are using incontinence pads, remember to change them regularly
- Wash your genitals before and after sex
- Drinking cranberry juice or regularly taking a cranberry supplement – such as Ural Daily Supplement High Strength Cranberry Capsules – helps support your day-to-day urinary tract health.
If repeated UTIs are a problem, try taking Uramet. Uramet is a non-antibiotic tablet that contains the active ingredient methenamine hippurate which helps suppress bacteria in urine and helps prevent recurrent UTIs.
Postmenopausal women may find using an intravaginal oestrogen cream (a form of hormone replacement therapy) can help prevent the common problem of recurrent UTIs.
Learn more about preventing UTIs
Remember to always check with your doctor or pharmacist for any possible interactions with any medications you are taking before taking any Ural or Uramet products.
