Urinary tract infection
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder, caused by bacteria from the intestine or the mouth of the urethra. Normally, urine is sterile, but bacteria can reach the bladder through the urethra and cause infection. Women have urinary tract infections far more often than men. The cause is physiological, since women’s urethra is shorter than men’s and is placed closer to the rectal opening. Therefore, bacteria have a shorter path to the bladder, and thus a shorter way to develop into an infection. In the following, symptoms of urinary tract infection and the association between incontinence care and urinary tract infections are described.
Diapers and urinary tract infections
Many of the elderly, who live in nursing homes today, receive incontinence care. Elderly people, who wear incontinence pads, have four times the risk of getting urinary tract infections as people who do not wear incontinence pads. This because bacteria thrive and develop in a wet and humid environment. The longer the elderly person carries a diaper with urine in it, the longer the bacteria have to develop and the risk of urinary tract infection will increase. If a urinary tract infection is not detected and treated in time, it can spread to the pelvic floor and kidneys and cause serious illness. It can lead to life-threatening blood poisoning and delirium. It is therefore important to prevent urinary tract infections and treat them in a timely manner if they occur. With Wear&Care’s sensor technology, it is possible for the nursing staff in nursing homes to carry out incontinence care, where the risk of urinary tract infections is reduced because incontinence pads are changed on time.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
Common symptoms:
– burning sensation when passing urine
– frequent urge to urinate
– fever
– cloudy urine
Symptoms among the elderly:
– sleep more or have interrupted sleep
– drink or eat less than usual
– are confused and speak differently than usual
– are psychotic, hear voices, see visions and may be scared
It is important to contact your doctor or another healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
Are you interested in hearing more about how Wear&Care Technologies can help you offer better incontinence care? Then folow the contact button under here.
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If you have questions about Wear&Care® or would like a detailed quote on what we can do for you, please fill out the contact form on the right. Otherwise you can contact our product manager Anne Cordel directly at:
Tel. +45 5357 1656
Mail: aco@wearandcare.com