What Are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in the Elderly?

Urinary tract infections result in over eight million doctor visits each year in the United States, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Being familiar with the causes of urinary tract infections in the elderly can help you take measures to minimize your chances--or a loved one's chances--of developing an infection.

The Facts

• A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria (typically from the rectum) enter the urinary tract, multiplying and causing an infection in the urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys.

Risk Factors

• Urinary incontinence is an infection risk factor that occurs more frequently in the elderly, especially women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Time Frame

• Older men who experience sudden-onset prostate infections are more likely to have a urinary tract infection because bacteria---the cause of urinary tract infections---already are in the prostate (a gland located just below a man's bladder) and can quickly infect the urinary tract.

Considerations

• As their mobility decreases, elderly individuals often need to use a catheter. Lack of proper hygiene can allow bacteria on the catheter to infect the bladder.

Prevention

• Although you can't control certain health conditions that may predispose you to a urinary tract infection, you can minimize your chances of getting one by drinking plenty of fluids and practicing good hygiene, such as changing incontinence pads regularly.