Urinary Tract Infection

Dysuria - A burning pain when passing Urine - one of the three key symptoms of UTI in women over 65

Nocturia - Passing Urine more often at night - one of the three key symptoms of UTI in women over 65 - May also be the sign of other problems such as diabetes or Urinary Retention 

Cloudy Urine - Urine is cloudy to the naked eye - one of the three key symptoms of UTI in women over 65

Fever - In woman under the age of 65 a temp of more than or equal to 37.9 degrees may indicate pyelonephritis or sepsis - The most common sign - Though an absence of fever does not exclude a UTI

Visible Haematuria - Blood in Urine - It can be an indication of UTI in women over 65 - Although when found on its own, consider other causes and investigate as appropriate.

Suprapubic pain or tenderness - Pain in lower abdomen 

Flank Pain - Possible sign of kidney problems - many organs in this area, other problems are possible

New Incontinence 

New or Worsen delirium/ debility 

Sexual Actiivty - One of the strongest risk factors 

Sperimicide Use - Decreases vaignal lactobavilli, which facilitates vaignal escherichia coli colonisation - even a small amount can increase the risk of UTi 

Post Menopause - Due to the absence of oestrogen 

Family History of UTI/ Personal History of UTI

Presence of Foreign body - A catheter, stone or surigclal material can increase the risk of UTI

Insulin Treated Diabetes - More predominant risk factor in older women 

Recent Antibiotics - Recent use of antimicrobials may predispose women to UTIs due to their effects on genitourinary microbiome 

Poor Bladder empyting 

Increasing Age - 10% of women over 70 have UTIs

GP and Nurse's Treatments - Suggest preventative measures (Drinking plenty of water, urinate after sex, avoid retinaining urine) - vagina;l cream containing oestrogen - antibiotics

Self management - Taking paracetomal to ease the apin, paracetamol is reccomended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin - rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Ways to avoid UTIs - keeping genitals clena and dry, drinking water, and changing any incontinence pads if soiled