Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are distressing and uncomfortable. In older people, they are one of the most common infections doctors see. Caused when bacteria in the urethra, bladder and kidneys multiplies in urine, they can cause not just pain, but also mental confusion (which may be mistaken for early signs of dementia) agitation, hallucinations or changes in behaviour that are out of character. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to acute or chronic kidney infections and, potentially, to life-threatening sepsis.
In Urology Awareness Month (September), we are highlighting the challenging issue of UTIs in older people. Has your loved one suffered a UTI, or do they have chronic UTIs? How did you spot the signs? What advice can you give other carers who are struggling to prevent further infections in their loved one?
My MIL suffers from UTIs quite regularly. She can get really confused with them. We really thought she had dementia the first time it happened, but once she was on the antibiotics, she came back to her old self quite quickly. It really scared us at the time. We try to make sure she drinks plenty and keep an eye on her. She is 87 and lives alone.
Staying hydrated is really important. We found that helped reduce the frequency of UTIs for my grandmother although unfortunately didn't stop them altogether...
OMG! Since posting yesterday my MIL rang today to say she's got terrible pain in her side. I could hear it in her voice that she was really bad. We managed to a GP appointment tonight, dreading what doctor might say.
Sadly my mum who's 84 and has vascular dementia already gets plenty. She dislike talking to me about "women's things" - nothing new there, so can be secretive. We know dehydration is part of the situation but she gets stroppy if someone tries to help by reminding her or other strategies. My daughter gave her a dedicate water bottle to keep handy, but she tends to fly off the handle. We cannot find a diplomatic way to broach the subject.
Last month my nephrologist had her assistant call me to tell me that the nephrologist wanted me to know that my routine lab report showed that I had a UTI. When I asked the assistant to ask the nephrologist what I should do about it, the assistant checked with the nephrologist whose response was that she didn't want to talk to me. I called my primary care doctor who prescribed an antibiotic and had me follow up with two office visits to recheck my urine. There is no lesson I expect to impart with this story; it just feels good to vent. I have no symptoms when these infections occur.
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