In the grand scheme of things, urinary tract infections do not seem like a major malady to have, but for those that experience them chronically, they are a true hindrance to a high quality of living. In a recent project, researchers were able to identify one of the key causes of chronic urinary tract infections. It’s a protein that is commonly associated with E. coli, which has been previously closely linked to UTIs.
Past research shows that about 80 percent of UTIs are caused by E. coli. UTIs are one of the most common infections there are, and about 1 in 2 women will contract one over the course of their lifetime. They account for about 8.1 million healthcare visits each year within the United States, and that’s not just for women. Men can be impacted by this as well, although not nearly as frequently.
Furthermore, the elderly are even more susceptible to UTIs than younger populations. This happens for a variety of reasons, but a few of them can be easily pinpointed. Weakened immune systems can help cause this, as can elevated levels of dehydration. Individuals that are already experiencing lower levels of activity, or facing a tougher time caring for themselves, will automatically find themselves at a higher risk of experiencing a UTI. This can be avoided in some instances just by having someone there to help keep an eye on things. If your elderly mother or grandmother is living alone or spends good portions of the day by herself, then there are some things that you can do to help ensure that she is staying healthy. The first, and most simplistic, is to have an in-home care professional devote a few hours to her each day. This will cover many of the issues that would arise otherwise.
If this isn’t right for your family, then consider taking steps on your own. Make sure that there are previously prepared meals and drinks available to get her through the day. Many seniors struggle with getting themselves adequate food and drink throughout the day, and even simple things like this can do wonders toward enhancing their health. Pour a few glasses of water for them in spill proof, break proof containers. Fix meals for them that can easily be heated up in a microwave or don’t need to be warmed up at all. Also, make sure that they see their doctor on a regular basis, and if there is a history of UTIs, then this is even more important to take into account.
Finally, don’t forget that awareness is so important. Even though a UTI doesn’t seem like a big deal, it is. When infections occur chronically, then a pool of bacteria can accumulate in the body, and this can make things like kidney infections much more likely to occur. These can be life threatening in many instances, and if they can be avoided by something simple like treating a UTI thoroughly, then you should help your loved one to do so.
Leave a Reply