Conditions | Www.childrenshospital.org
Urinary Infections In Older Adults: Expert Explains Symptoms And Care Considerations
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common infection in older adults. UTIs can be more serious in older adults than in younger people and can lead to complications such as sepsis, kidney damage, and even death.
Speaking to the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr. Srivatsan Ramani, Sr. Consultant Urology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai elucidated the factors that make older adults more susceptible to urinary tract infections, its symptoms and preventive measures. Here is what he shared with us.
Several factors make older adults more susceptible to UTIs, including:
1. Changes in the urinary tractAs people age, the lining of the urinary tract becomes thinner and more fragile, making it more susceptible to infection.
2. Reduced bladder controlElderly people are more likely to experience incontinence, which can increase the risk of bacteria from the skin or stool entering the urinary tract.
3. Chronic health conditionsOlder adults with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, are also more likely to develop UTIs.
4. Use of CathetersPeople who use indwelling urinary catheters are at a very high risk of developing UTIs as the catheter provides a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the bladder. The bacteria can come from the skin around the urethra, from the patient's bowels, or the environment.
Also read: Anxiety Management: Manage Anxiety Through 54321 Sensory Method
Symptoms Of UTIsThe symptoms of a UTI in an elderly may be different from those in a younger person. Older adults may not experience the classic symptoms of UTIs, such as burning pain when urinating and frequent urination. Instead, they may experience more vague symptoms, such as fever and fatigue.
Preventive Measures For UTIsUTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. In addition to antibiotics, several things can be done to help prevent UTIs in older adults. These include:
1. Drinking plenty of fluidsDrinking enough fluids helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
2. Emptying the bladder regularlyHolding in urine for a longer period can increase the risk of infection.
3. Good personal hygieneThis includes washing the genital area with mild soap and water daily.
Also read: Anxiety Management: Manage Anxiety Through 54321 Sensory Method
4. Avoiding constipationConstipation can put pressure on the bladder and increase the risk of infection.
5. When using a cathetermake sure it is properly cared for which includes cleaning the catheter and changing the bag regularly.
ConclusionIn conclusion, care providers should work closely with elderly people and their families to manage UTIs and prevent complications. This may involve giving information about UTIs, monitoring for symptoms, and ensuring that appropriate treatment is provided. It may also be necessary to involve other medical experts, such as a geriatrician or a nurse practitioner.
Reduce Unneeded Urine Testing To Cut Antibiotic Use In Long-term Care, Study Advises
If healthcare workers in long-term care communities can reduce unnecessary urine culture testing on residents, they can also lower the amount of unneeded antibiotics, according to a new report in The BMJ.
The problem originates when a resident tests positive on a urine culture but actually doesn't have an infection. Instead, they can have asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in which there are bacteria but no symptoms and no pyuria (white blood cells in the urine). Testing people when they don't have symptoms prompts unnecessary antibiotic treatment, the study noted.
Long-term care facilities need to adopt strategies to reduce unneeded urine cultures. These strategies include targeted education that's accompanied by system changes such as modification of order sets and routine panels, elimination of urine dipsticks, and changes to laboratory processing and reporting.
The changes involve staff member education. The authors advise using brochures and posters to remind staff members to reduce ordering urine cultures. In-person training, webinars and one-on-one coaching can also help. And it's important to educate family members that withholding testing when symptoms aren't present does not mean their loved one isn't getting care; rather, it's a way to avoid unnecessary antibiotics, they added.
"In settings that utilize order sets, these should be updated to remove all non-evidence based urine testing outside of minimum accepted UTI symptoms," the authors wrote. "Removing access to urine dipsticks in long-term care homes can reduce unnecessary urine cultures."
How labs report the results can also affect whether antibiotics are administered, the report said. "One example is increasing the threshold for defining significant growth in urine culture based on data suggesting that low colony counts are only rarely associated with infection in older adults admitted to hospital wards," the authors added.
7 Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here's our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Was this helpful?
From staying hydrated to taking cranberry supplements, there are a handful of home remedies to try if you're looking to ward off UTIs.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. A 2022 analysis found that more than 404.6 million people had UTIs worldwide in 2019.
UTIs happen when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra. You can get an infection along any part of the urinary tract, but bladder infections are the most common.
Though UTIs can affect anyone, people assigned female at birth are more prone to them. That's because the female urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, is shorter than the male urethra.
The shorter distance makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the vagina and rectum, which are sources of bacteria, also plays a role.
Other risk factors for UTIs include:
Bacteria cause almost 95% of UTIs, but fungi can also cause infection.
Though antibiotics typically treat UTIs, there are several natural ways to help manage infections and reduce the risk of recurrence.
This article reviews six home remedies you can use to treat UTIs.
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When you're dehydrated, you aren't urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A 2019 study examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the schedule decreased UTIs requiring antibiotics by 58%.
In a 2020 randomized control trial, 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, it's best to drink water throughout the day and always when you're thirsty.
Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTI
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.
Some evidence suggests that increasing your vitamin C intake could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
A small 2020 randomized placebo study involving 19 people who had undergone a kidney transplant found that the amount of bacteria in urine was significantly lower in people who received intravenous vitamin C group than the placebo group.
A 2016 study with 42 participants showed that combining vitamin C with two other popular natural UTI remedies — cranberries and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus — could be an effective treatment for recurrent UTIs.
Despite these studies, more research is needed to prove vitamin C's effectiveness in reducing UTI risk. Plus, there are conflicting views on whether vitamin C can really change the acidity of your urine enough to kill off bacteria.
If you need help getting enough vitamin C, you can try products like vitamin C gummies, sprays, or oral tablets.
However, it's still recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake. Red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, and kiwifruit all contain the full recommended daily amount of vitamin C in just one serving.
Finally, keep in mind that if you're already meeting your vitamin C needs through diet alone, it's unclear whether taking additional vitamin C through supplements is beneficial.
Nordic Naturals Vitamin C GummiesOne serving of these tangerine-flavored gummies by Nordic Naturals contains 250 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C to support daily immunity. This certified-vegan option is a simple way to supplement vitamin C from dietary sources.
Plus, all Nordic Naturals supplements are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency with certificates of analysis (COAs) easily accessible online.
Garden of Life Vitamin C SprayThis citrusy spray provides a liquid boost of vitamin C support. You can choose a Stevia-sweetened version or a tangier taste without any sweetener.
Five sprays on your tongue amount to one serving, which delivers 60 mg of vitamin C to your immune system. The spray bottle format means you can adjust the dosage to your needs.
Benefits of vitamin C for UTI
Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease your risk of UTIs by making your urine more acidic, thus killing infection-causing bacteria.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most well-known natural remedies for UTIs. If drinking unsweetened cranberry juice isn't your thing, you can also take it in capsule form.
Some experts believe cranberries have properties that might prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, which helps with UTI prevention.
In a study published in 2022, participants with a history of recurring uncomplicated UTIs reported a reduction in infections after taking a cranberry supplement for 6 months prior.
Additionally, a 2021 review of 23 studies found that cranberry supplements (including juices, tablets, and capsules) significantly reduced the likelihood of UTIs.
However, researchers noted there were several limitations of the studies reviewed. They recommend larger, more high quality studies to confirm the potential role of cranberry supplements in preventing UTIs.
Also keep in mind that while some research supports the use of cranberry supplements in the prevention of UTIs, whether they actually work as a treatment for an active UTI is less cut and dry.
Finally, it's worth noting any possible benefits of this home remedy only apply to unsweetened cranberry juice (or cranberry capsules), rather than sweetened juice varieties. Cranberry juice with added sugars won't help treat an active UTI.
Spring Valley Cranberry Extract CapsuleEach serving of these capsules contains 500 mg of organic cranberry extract. Some reviewers who reported frequent UTIs say they've had success taking this supplement as a daily preventive measure.
Benefits of cranberries for UTI
Some studies suggest that cranberries could help reduce your risk of UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are consumed through food or supplements. They can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Probiotics are available in supplement form or can be found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and probiotic yogurt.
Consuming probiotics has been linked to many things, from improved digestive health to enhanced immune function.
Some studies have shown that certain probiotics may reduce the risk of UTIs. These studies have involved the use of oral and vaginally administered probiotics as well as different probiotic strains.
Antibiotics, the main line of defense against UTIs, can cause disturbances in levels of gut bacteria. Probiotics may be beneficial in restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.
Studies have shown that probiotics can increase levels of good gut bacteria and reduce side effects associated with antibiotic use.
Still, keep in mind that probiotics may not be appropriate for everyone. Always talk with a healthcare professional about whether probiotics are right for you and which strains to take.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan ProbioticBio-Kult Pro-Cyan is specifically formulated to support urinary tract health and includes cranberry extract and two targeted probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum.
Research suggests that both strains have antimicrobial properties that may help block the growth of bacteria that can cause UTIs. Additionally, some studies have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus may promote overall vaginal health and protect against bacterial vaginosis.
Benefits of probiotics for UTI
Probiotics could help prevent UTIs and are beneficial for restoring gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment.
Preventing UTIs starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.
First, it's important not to hold your urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection.
Peeing after sex has long been linked to a reduced risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria and is recommended by health authorities, including Planned Parenthood.
Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.
Finally, when using the toilet — especially if you have a female urethra — make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs.
One way to stop or prevent any bacteria from spreading amongst genitalia is by using Always Feminine Wipes.
Always Feminine WipesEasily resealable and compact enough to keep on your person, these wipes are lightly scented to ensure you feel fresh and clean throughout the day. These are good for convenient access throughout your day.
Benefits of healthy hygiene for UTI
Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Careful wiping when you use the toilet may also help decrease the risk of UTI.
Research shows garlic and garlic extract to have antimicrobial properties, so they may be able to block the growth of bacteria to prevent UTIs.
While not many studies have specialized in the effects of garlic in treating UTIs, one 2014 study found that the combination of garlic oil and parsley in pills could have a synergistic effect on bacterial growth and proliferation.
A 2022 study found that rats with an induced UTI caused by E. Coli bacteria saw significant improvement in their infection when given garlic.
While cooking garlic alters its properties and may make its health benefits decrease, most people can safely consume raw garlic as part of a healthy diet. However, people with GERD, people who take blood thinners, and people who have an irritable digestive tract might want to avoid eating garlic in its uncooked form.
If you don't like or can't eat raw garlic but are interested in seeing if it could help ward off your next UTI, you might consider a garlic supplement.
Nature's Bounty Garlic ExtractNature's Bounty's 1,000-mg garlic extract formula is primarily designed to support heart and cardiovascular health. However, it may also have immune-boosting properties, which could contribute to preventing recurring UTIs. Some consider it a way of helping reduce bacterial growth in the body as a whole.
Benefits of garlic for UTI
Garlic hasn't been strongly linked to treating or preventing UTIs, but it does have documented antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties.
Consuming raw garlic or taking garlic supplements could have the added benefit of targeting certain bacterial strains that may be causing your UTIs to keep coming back.
D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries and other fruit. Similar to other home remedies on our list, it may be able to prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract.
Some studies suggest it's effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence. At least three studies have shown D-mannose is effective not only as a UTI deterrent but also as a treatment for an active UTI.
Research into how well D-mannose works to help people with recurrent UTIs is still early, but the results so far have been promising.
You can add D-mannose to your diet by upping your intake of blueberries, cranberries, apples, peaches, and oranges. Broccoli and green beans are an additional source of D-mannose.
You can also consider adding a D-mannose supplement to your regimen.
Perelel Urinary Tract Support PowderIn addition to D-mannose, Perelel Urinary Tract Support Powder contains hibiscus powder and nettle leaf, which are anecdotally known as home remedies for recurrent UTIs.
According to the company, this powder is designed to be taken daily by stirring the contents into a glass of water.
You can read more about Perelel in our comprehensive review.
Here are some ways you can manage UTI symptoms that may also help prevent a recurrence:
It's important to talk with a doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. While natural remedies may help, a healthcare professional can diagnose a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Left untreated, UTIs risk severe complications, including spreading to your kidneys. Don't ignore symptoms of a severe infection.
Get in touch with a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
People with female reproductive organs are at a higher risk for UTIs because of their anatomy. The female urethra, the tube which empties urine from your bladder out of your body, is shorter than someone born with male anatomy.
The female urethra is also quite close to female reproductive organs. That means bacteria from sexual intercourse as well as products like spermicide can be in close contact with the urethra and bladder.
Females also experience menopause and pregnancy. These two biological events change the bacteria in your reproductive and digestive tracts and create conditions that make UTIs more likely.
Should UTI treatment vary according to what's causing the infection?Yes, your UTI treatment may vary according to what's causing the infection. Certain UTIs, especially chronic and recurring ones, will need antibiotic treatment as opposed to simple home remedies.
If you're prescribed antibiotics to treat a UTI, a healthcare professional may choose an antibiotic that's specific to the type of bacteria that's triggering your infection.
Will over-the-counter products (OTC) products like AZO get rid of my UTI?Maybe. OTC products like AZO contain active ingredients that have antibacterial properties. In the case of AZO, the active ingredient is a compound called methenamine.
In combination with an anti-inflammatory compound, these products are meant to help your body kill harmful bacteria.
For powerful bacterial infections, the active ingredients in OTC products just might not be enough. Also, most of these products advertise as a protection against UTIs, not necessarily a treatment for current, active infections.
Can you get rid of a UTI naturally at home, or do you need antibiotics?Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to heal. Research from 2017 suggests that somewhere between 25% and 42% of UTIs resolve naturally without the use of antibiotics.
However, there are certain situations where "wait and see" just isn't an acceptable approach. Untreated UTIs can cause potentially life threatening complications, including sepsis.
What happens if a UTI is left untreated?Left untreated, a UTI can spread higher in the urinary tract to the kidneys or ureters, which are the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys.
Upper UTIs can cause severe symptoms, damage the kidneys, and spread to the bloodstream, becoming life threatening.
Can UTIs cause kidney infections?Yes, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and have the potential to damage the kidneys if not treated promptly.
If you have the following signs of a kidney infection, seek immediate medical treatment:
UTIs typically clear up within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. You should start to notice a gradual improvement in your pain and other symptoms.
If you don't notice any improvement within this time frame or your symptoms are getting worse, talk with your doctor.
UTIs are a common and frustrating problem, particularly if they keep recurring.
Home remedies and OTC products can help prevent UTIs, but they can't always completely eliminate the bacteria causing your infection. If you're trying home remedies but still have symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional to avoid any complications.
Staying hydrated, practicing health-promoting habits, and supplementing your diet with some UTI-fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of these infections in the future.
Read this article in Spanish.
Comments
Post a Comment