Caregiver information about UTI
Although some people who have a urinary tract infection (UTI) do not have any symptoms, most will experience some level of discomfort. It is important that a caregiver be aware of the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections as their relative, or patient, might be unable to tell them of their discomfort.
Urinary tract infections are common in :
Older people,
In people who require total nursing care,
In people who are catheterized or who use continence aids
In people whose immune system is compromised
Urinary tract infection in the elderly or in people with Alzheimer's can profoundly affect not only their health but can have a dramatic effect on behavior such as increasing confusion and/or aggression.
Signs Symptoms of Urinary Tract infection
Diagnosing a Urinary Tract infection UTI
Inform his or her doctor of any signs or symptoms of a urine infection. Your doctor will send a sample of urine to test for the type of bacteria present. The lab will then test to see which antibiotic is best at destroying the bacteria. Infections causing similar symptoms such as Chlamydia and Mycoplasma have to be sampled separately with a special bacterial culture.
Further tests such as an IVP (Intravenous pyelogram), ultrasound, or cystoscopy may be required to detect the cause of urinary infections especially is they recur or do not respond to the medication your doctor gives you.
