The occurrence of urine infection increases with age and is common in both men and women. People with urinary infections have germs or bacteria in their bowel, kidneys, and the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults is more common in women, with a ratio of 2:1 female to male, though this is below the ratio of 50:1 for younger adults. Incidences of UTI in older people may or may not be a result of a weak immune system, but for older adults, there may be a couple of underlying causes.

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Symptoms of UTI in older people

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults may not present classic symptoms. This can be attributed to a slower immune system. Classic symptoms include the following:

• Frequent urination
• Pain in the pelvis
• Burning sensation during urination
• Foul-smelling urine
• In some cases fever and chills

Non-classic or other symptoms include the following:

• Incontinence
• Lethargy
• Falls
• Agitation
• Decreased mobility
• Decreased appetite

It has also been found that the only symptom of a UTI in older people may be feeling confused or a persistent feeling of being unwell. The confusion can be caused by several factors that may include fever or dehydration. It should be noted that this feeling of being confused gets alleviated once the body is free from infection.

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Common causes of UTI in older people

For older women:

• Post menopause, the tissue lining in the genital area becomes more fragile and this can lead to frequent urine infections.
• Drop in estrogen levels too are a leading cause of UTI in older people. Estrogen lends protection against E.coli. As levels of estrogen drops as a result of menopause, E.coli takes over and causes UTI.
• Prolapse of the uterus or vagina may also increase the risk of UTIs.

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For men:

• An enlarged prostate is a common cause of UTIs in older men. With an enlarged prostate, the bladder may not clear out properly and some urine may pool in the bladder. This forms a breeding ground for infection-causing bacteria.

Risk factors for both men and women:

• Kidney stones or other bladder problems
• Use of a catheter
• Not changing continence wear on time
• Any other underlying condition like a weak immune system, chemotherapy, etc.

Prevention and treatment of UTI in older people

It may not be possible to prevent all kinds of UTIs that affect older people. But care must be taken by following a few basic steps. Some of these include the following:

• Changing continence wear regularly
• Drinking plenty of water
• Hormone replacement therapy for women
• Including a lot of fiber in your diet
• Keeping the genital area clean

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Treatment for UTIs in older as well as younger people is done with antibiotics. You should visit a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms and if a UTI is confirmed, he or she will put you on antibiotics. Prescribed antibiotics should be taken for the entire duration of the treatment. Many people discontinue the use as soon as symptoms stop showing and do not take them for the prescribed duration. This can prove harmful as some bacteria may still remain in your system leading to recurring infections. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the treatment. Avoid using home remedies and visit your doctor, if you suspect that you have an infection.

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