Who knew urine could be a killer? It can. Especially in the elderly. You need to fully understand the power.
When you are young, you are acutely aware of urinary tract infections as pain and burning can be almost unbearable. Treatment is sought quickly to make the pain stop. With rapid intervention, there is little chance for the infection to travel to the kidneys and bloodstream. Simple solution, end of story.
But, with the elderly, you’re looking at a different story. Advancing years diminish the pain perception. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can smolder for days or weeks, getting stronger and able to inflict more damage, to the point of death. Let me share some of the signs of an untreated UTI that I’ve seen over my years as a nurse. I’m sharing these with you to help you identify the problem in advance of it becoming a disaster.
You may see any of these symptoms:
- Incontinence – leaking of urine or worsening of incontinence.
- Confusion or worsening of mental symptoms.
- Foul or strong urine odor.
- Abnormal urine color – cloudy or bloody.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Pain lower back or abdomen.
- Chills and/or fever.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
I urge you to read these symptoms again if you have an elderly family member. Your early action could save a life. No, I’m not being melodramatic. It’s true. Infection that travels to the kidneys can cause permanent kidney damage. Going further than that, and entering the bloodstream, the body can become “septic.” This is a life-threatening condition that injures tissues and organs, ultimately resulting in death if treatment is not in time.
It’s so easy to take in a urine specimen. I suggest that every family member keeps a specimen cup available and ready to spring into action. Be the “urine sleuth.” For more information on missing medical cues, read stories I have documented for you in Age Your Way.
