Immune Response Changes In Seniors Place Them At Risk

Seniors can be affected with a variety of different types of infections that hit hard and hang on. As we get older our immune response changes and one of the most prevalent infections impacting seniors is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Sometimes our loved ones can’t tell us what the problem is, where the pain is or when something doesn’t feel right. UTI’s can be very dangerous when not treated quickly. Symptoms in seniors can be different than in younger people. 

Sometimes the only symptom of a UTI in the elderly is acute confusion. If an older person becomes suddenly confused or have behavioral issues, some people may think that their loved one must be developing Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease. Others may mistakenly assume that confusion is normal for all older people. You may find your loved one feeling restless and anxious.  Some seniors will have overall discomfort and weakness, including falls or unsteady gait. There may be loss of appetite or dizziness. Seniors will be unable to do activities of everyday living they always perform. A person with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia may become temporarily worse. 

Physical UTI symptoms that might present themselves include:  foul, strong smelling urine, more frequent trips to the bathroom especially at night, inability to empty the bladder fully leaving a feeling that your loved one needs to go when they just went, pressure or mild pain when urinating, night sweats, shaking or chills, lower back pain, general discomfort, a feeling of being over-tired, blood in the urine, incontinence, nausea, vomiting, coughing, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Woman may have pain above the pubic bone. Men sometimes have a feeling of fullness in the rectum. Back and side pain can indicate the infection has reached the kidneys. However, a person would probably not have all these signs; and perhaps none. If left untreated, the infection can spread and develop into far more serious conditions. Seniors will rarely get a fever, but if an older patient has one it is considered an emergency. It should not be taken lightly. UTI’s for instance, are a leading cause of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.

UTI’s can be prevented by keeping the area clean after using the restroom with front to back wiping and if wearing adult briefs, they should be changed regularly. Take a shower instead of a bath. Making sure your loved one is getting enough fluids especially including cranberry juice. Limit caffeine containing beverages which might irritate your bladder.

If your loved one’s symptoms are consistent with a bladder infection it’s recommended that their healthcare provider be called for an appointment.  The most common treatment for a UTI is antibiotics.

Lori Schuler is Marketing and Activity Director for Pioneer Place supportive Apartments

and North Haven Assisted Living Homes