When left untreated, UTIs in the elderly can cause serious problems, including permanent kidney damage and sepsis — a generalized and potentially life-threatening infection. Read on to understand how UTIs can affect the elderly and how to recognize symptoms of this common infection.

What are symptoms of severe UTI in elderly?

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

• a more urgent need to urinate.
• increased urination.
• burning, pain, or discomfort when urinating.
• feeling pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
• cloudy, thick, or odorous urine.
• the bladder not feeling empty after urination.
• fever.
• pain in the lower abdomen, flank, or back.

What can a UTI do to an elderly person?

An untreated UTI can spread to the kidneys, which is a more severe infection. UTIs can also lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. UTIs cause more than half the cases of urosepsis among older adults.

Can you die from an untreated UTI?

Most UTIs are not considered serious. However, leaving it untreated can lead to more serious medical problems. Infection can likely spread to your kidneys and blood stream causing permanent damage, and even death.

Why do UTIs cause confusion in the elderly?

This is because as you get older, your immune response changes – it’s part of normal aging. A UTI places stress on the body,” says Dr. Pearson, “and any type of stress, physical or emotional, can cause an older adult to become confused.

How do I know if my UTI has turned into sepsis?

Symptoms of urosepsis include:

1. pain near the kidneys, on the lower sides of the back.
2. nausea with or without vomiting.
3. extreme fatigue.
4. reduced urine volume or no urine.
5. trouble breathing or rapid breathing.
6. confusion or brain fog.
7. unusual anxiety levels.
8. changes in heart rate, such as palpitations or a rapid heartbeat.

Can a UTI be fatal in elderly?

When left untreated, UTIs in the elderly can cause serious problems, including permanent kidney damage and sepsis — a generalized and potentially life-threatening infection.

What are the symptoms of sepsis in elderly?

These can include:

• feeling dizzy or faint.
• a change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation.
• diarrhoea.
• nausea and vomiting.
• slurred speech.
• severe muscle pain.
• severe breathlessness.
• less urine production than normal – for example, not urinating for a day.

What are the 6 signs of sepsis?

Sepsis Symptoms

• Fever and chills.
• Very low body temperature.
• Peeing less than usual.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Blotchy or discolored skin.

What happens when UTI goes untreated?

The main danger associated with untreated UTIs is that the infection may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys. When bacteria attack the kidneys, they can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. In people who already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure.

What are the red flags for sepsis?

The red flag symptoms of sepsis are:

• New onset of confusion or altered mental state.
• High temperature.
• Fast heartrate.
• Fast and shallow breathing.

How long can you have an untreated UTI?

How long does a UTI last untreated? Some UTIs will go away on their own in as little as 1 week. However, UTIs that do not go away on their own will only get worse over time. If you think you have a UTI, speak with a doctor about the best course of action.

Can UTI lead to sepsis in elderly?

Any type of infection can cause sepsis, from the flu to an infected bug bite, but the most common infections that trigger sepsis among older people are respiratory, such as pneumonia, or genitourinary, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

How does a UTI affect the brain?

UTIs can cause sudden confusion (also known as delirium) in older people and people with dementia. If the person has a sudden and unexplained change in their behaviour, such as increased confusion, agitation, or withdrawal, this may be because of a UTI.

Can a UTI make you act crazy?

Behavioral changes may include restlessness, hallucination, agitation and confusion. These are just some symptoms of UTI, which can vary from person to person, regardless of factors like age.

Does UTI cause dementia?

Are UTIs a Sign of Dementia? Urinary tract infections can exacerbate dementia symptoms, but a UTI does not necessarily signal dementia or Alzheimer’s. As the Alzheimer’s Society explains, UTIs can cause distressing behavior changes for a person with Alzheimer’s.