Risk factors for developing symptomatic UTI in the aging population are different to those in younger women. Age-associated changes in immune function, exposure to nosocomial pathogens and an increasing number of comorbidities put the elderly at an increased risk for developing infection [19].

Why do elderly patients get confused with UTI?

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.

What are atypical presentations of a UTI with older adults?

Classic symptoms such as fever may be either absent or reduced in intensity, and atypical symptoms such as new or increased confusion, functional decline, falls, and loss of urinary or fecal continence may be the presenting manifestation of infection.

Which atypical symptom is shown by geriatric patient with UTI?

More often, than in patients without UTIs, they reported symptoms such as delirium (28.9% vs. 18%), tachycardia (11.1% vs. 1.5%) or hypotension (20% vs. 12.1%).

What is an atypical UTI?

Atypical UTI may be due to infection from a bacterium other than E. coli, e.g. Staphylococcus spp., or from an underlying condition, such as a congenital renal tract abnormality. Atypical UTI and recurrent UTI in children is associated with an increased risk of complications, such as septicaemia or renal scarring.

How do UTIs affect elderly?

Seniors experiencing UTIs can show a sudden change in behavior and symptoms that may appear to be associated with cognitive issues, such as: Frequent falls. Confusion. Dizziness.

What causes UTI in older females?

Many UTIs occur due to E. coli, a type of bacteria that is commonly present in stool and can enter the urinary system through the urethra. Other organisms that are capable of causing a UTI may be present in older adults who have a catheter or reside in a hospital or care facility.

Why are older adults more susceptible to infection?

Often, when people age, there is immunosenescence, which means that the immune system doesn’t function as well or as vigorously. The combination of increased comorbid conditions and the decrease in activity of the immune system can make people more prone to infections.

What are the symptoms of high risk Atypical presentations?

Atypical Presentation of Common Geriatric Emergencies

• Acute abdomen with constipation and decreased appetite, rather than severe pain.
• Pneumonia with vague chest pain and dry cough, rather than fever.
• Depression with agitation, rather than dysphoria.
• Infection with falls, rather than fever or elevated white count.

What is an atypical symptom?

Classic symptoms other than pain and discomfort include shortness of breath, nausea, diaphoresis, and sometimes light-headedness. Identified atypical symptoms include fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the upper extremities, palpitations, indigestion, loss of appetite, and confusion.

Do you treat asymptomatic UTI in elderly?

UTI is considered to be the most common infection among the elderly^1–3 and the most common cause of bacteremia,⁴ but patients with bacteriuria who can clearly communicate the absence of urinary tract symptoms have asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and do not require treatment.

Does asymptomatic UTI need to be treated?

For most people, asymptomatic bacteriuria does not cause any problems and treatment is not necessary. If you do develop a urinary tract infection, prompt treatment with antibiotics will almost always take care of it.

Why is nitrofurantoin contraindicated in elderly?

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of nitrofurantoin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart, liver, lung, or kidney problems, which may require caution in patients receiving nitrofurantoin.

What is the difference between complicated and uncomplicated UTI?

Uncomplicated UTI – infection in a healthy, non-pregnant, pre-menopausal female patient with anatomically and functionally normal urinary tract. Complicated UTI – infection associated with factors increasing colonization and decreasing efficacy of therapy.

What causes complicated UTI?

E. coli is responsible for more than 50% of complicated UTI events and 80 to 90% of uncomplicated pyelonephritis cases. Klebsiella and Proteus may be more common among hospitalized or instrumented patients. Proteus is often a cause of UTI associated with stones.

What constitutes a complicated UTI?

Examples of a complicated UTI include: Infections occurring despite the presence of anatomical protective measures (UTI in males are by definition considered complicated UTI) Infections occurring due to anatomical abnormalities, for example, an obstruction, hydronephrosis, renal tract calculi, or colovesical fistula.