Health officials have urged people, especially the over-65s, to act immediately if they spot any symptoms of this ailment
Health professionals have sounded the alarm about a widespread condition that could be “life-threatening”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning that individuals aged 65 and above are at an increased risk of this health issue.
In a post on X, the health body urged members of the public to “know the signs” associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Symptoms typically involve issues such as experiencing a burning sensation during urination and feeling the need to go to the toilet more often.
While they can generally be treated, UTIs may escalate to severe complications such as sepsis if left unnoticed. The UKHSA stressed: “UTIs are unpleasant for most but for some they can be life-threatening. Check in on those who might be more at risk of developing UTIs, including those aged 65+ Know the signs.”
Symptoms
Depending on the area affected – be it the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (kidney infection) – UTIs can manifest various symptoms. The NHS says these include:
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
- An increased need to urinate
- Frequent night-time urination (nocturia)
- Sudden or urgent needs to urinate
- Cloudy urine appearance
- Presence of blood in urine
- Lower abdominal pain or back pain just below the ribs
- High temperature, or feeling overheated and shivery
- Abnormally low temperature below 36C
The NHS pointed out: “Your pee may also be dark or smell. If this is your only symptom, it might be because you’ve not been drinking enough water.”
Symptoms of a UTI may differ by age. In children, UTIs may present the following:
- Have a high temperature – your child is feeling hotter than usual if you touch their neck, back or tummy
- Appear generally unwell – babies and young children may be irritable and not feed or eat properly
- Wet the bed or wet themselves
- Be sick
In older adults who are frail and have cognitive impairments like dementia, and among those with a urinary catheter, UTI symptoms may also encompass:
- Changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused (delirium)
- Wetting themselves (incontinence) that is worse than usual
- New shivering or shaking (rigors)
Causes of a UTI
UTIs are usually precipitated by bacteria originating from faeces making their way into the urinary tract. The urethra, the tube through which urine is expelled from the body, serves as the conduit for these bacteria, reports Surrey Live. According to the NHS: “Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.”
Several factors can heighten the risk of bacterial intrusion into the bladder, including:
- Having sex
- Pregnancy
- Conditions that block the urinary tract – such as kidney stones
- Conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children
- Urinary catheters (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine)
- Having a weakened immune system – for example, people with diabetes or people having chemotherapy
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not keeping the genital area clean and dry
- Preventative measures against UTIs can be taken such as:
- Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet
- Keep the genital area clean and dry
- Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water – so that you regularly pee during the day and do not feel thirsty
- Wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex
- Pee as soon as possible after sex
- Promptly change nappies or incontinence pads if they’re soiled
If you notice any symptoms indicative of a UTI, you should visit your GP. However, the NHS cautioned that an urgent GP consultation or a call to 111 is necessary if you, your child or someone in your care might have a UTI and:
- Have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
- Have a very low temperature below 36C
- Are confused or drowsy
- Have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
- Can see blood in your pee
The urgency is due to these symptoms potentially signalling a kidney infection, which can lead to sepsis if left untreated.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
