Not being able to empty the bladder completely also increases the risk of a UTI as bacteria can grow in the residual urine. Some causes for residual urine are constipation, obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate or a prolapse, spinal cord injury and nerve damage which interferes with the normal function of the urinary tract. Also, as we get older, the bladder muscle may weaken. This makes it difficult to completely empty the bladder, causing some urine to remain after urination.
Urinary tract infections and incontinence
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common, often painful condition that many people, especially women, will experience during their lifetime. A weakened immune system, ageing, and chronic illness can all contribute to developing UTIs. Another risk factor is incontinence – both urinary and bowel incontinence are risks of a UTI.
What is a urinary tract infection?
UTIs occur when harmful microbes make their way into the lower or upper urinary tract. Lower UTIs, which occur in the urethra and bladder, are most common. These are also called cystitis. In most cases, the bacteria that invade the lower urinary tract come from our own bodies. E. Coli, which normally lives in the intestine, is the most common and can infect the urinary tract when the urethra is exposed to bacteria from faeces.
Highly virulent bacteria that are left untreated can spread up through the ureters to one, or both kidneys, and cause an upper UTI. Symptoms of this could be back pain, nausea and fever. If it is left untreated it can potentially damage the kidneys, or even cause kidney failure. In some cases, the kidney infection can spread to the blood stream, causing urosepsis, which requires immediate intensive care. If an upper or lower UTI has been diagnosed and treatment is needed, the doctor will decide which antibiotic and dosage to prescribe.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria, also referred to as "friendly" bacteria, in the urinary tract, is a harmless condition that should not be treated with antibiotics. These bacteria will show no symptoms except for smelly urine in some people.
Recognising the symptoms of UTI
With UTIs, some symptoms are common, but others are not so easy to spot. For fast diagnosis and treatment, it is important for caregivers to recognize the earliest signs of a UTI. This is particularly important among elderly people – especially those with dementia – as well as those with low immune response and diabetes.
Common symptoms of UTI
- Painful or burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination or constant urge to urinate
- Sudden urinary incontinence
- Only urinating small amounts
- Traces of blood in urine
- Dark, cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Cold – but not usually with a fever
Vague symptoms of UTI
- Feeling weak in general
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sudden incontinence or increased incontinence
Good hygiene can prevent UTIs
As well as recognising the symptoms of UTIs, it also essential to know how to prevent and treat them. UTIs can be prevented by following effective hygiene routines and guidelines. This is because healthy skin is more resistant to infection. So, it is essential to keep the genital area clean and healthy to maintain or improve the skin’s ability to protect itself against infections.
For example: always wipe from front to back after using the toilet – soiled incontinence products should also be removed from front to back. If skin is fragile, avoid harsh soap and use TENA wash cream to clean and TENA barrier cream for protection. To avoid bacteria growth, always ensure skin is dry after cleaning and changes. Drinking enough fluids and staying hydrated can also help prevent UTIs.
How to relieve symptoms of UTIs
There are also things you can do to relieve the symptom of UTIs. For example: drinking large amounts of fluid helps flush bacteria from the bladder. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID*) can ease symptoms of a UTI like pain, fever and inflammation while placing a heating on the lower back or stomach might relieve the pain.
Read related articles
Caregiving and night incontinence
If you are providing night care to residents who are incontinent, or need support to remain continent, it's important have effective tools and tricks at your disposal that are based on an understanding of the functions of sleep, and the effects of sleep deprivation. In this article you'll find useful information on a range of these topics, all of which are aimed at one simple goal: a better night's sleep for your resident.
With over 60 years of experience TENA is the world’s leading incontinence brand*. We offer a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.
With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve dignity and the quality of people’s lives. We strive for sustainable continence care with better care and better products.
*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Adult Incontinence, all channels, RSP value sales, Tissue & Hygiene, 2024 edition.
TENA, a brand of Essity – a global leading hygiene and healthy company. Everyday, our products, solutions and services are used by billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, ModiBodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The Company's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.