In the area of the health of older women, urinary tract infections are a very widespread but potentially serious problem. A better understanding of the disease is essential to improve the quality of life and health of older women.
I. Reasons behind high-prevalence
1. Changes in physiological structure
As the age increases, the levels of estrogen for older women decrease, the urea and bladder mucous membranes shrink, thinner and the resistance to bacteria decrease. The urine mouth is close to the vaginal mouth and anal, local resistance is reduced in old age, bacteria are susceptible to contamination of the urine mouth and reverse infections of the urine and bladders, causing infection.
Impact of basic diseases
Many older women suffer from multiple chronic diseases. In the case of diabetes, for example, high blood sugar provides nutrition for bacterial reproduction, and neurosis of diabetes can also affect the emptiness of bladders, cause urine residues and increase the risk of infection. Prolonged use of some depressants by high blood pressure patients may affect urine generation and excretion, prolonging urine stay and facilitating bacterial growth. In addition, cardiovascular and nervous system diseases, among others, have limited activity and reduced performance, indirectly increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.
II. Complex and easily neglected symptoms
1. Atypical urinary tract irritation symptoms
The symptoms of urinary tract infections among older women are not typical, and the frequency, urgency and pain of urine may not be significant. Some suffer from urination difficulties, such as experiency, fine urine flow or incontinence, which can be mistaken for old age or other diseases (e.g. lax pelvis muscles). Discomfort (swollen or indignant) is also common and easily neglected.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
The infection is more complex when it spreads to the kidneys, e.g., in the form of heat, cold warfare, which can be as high as 39°C, accompanied by a back pain (distorted pain or severe pain and crotch) and in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and an appetite, which tends to mask urinary infections and leads to misdiagnosis.
III. Elements and challenges of diagnosis
1. Combined multiple factors
Doctors ‘ diagnosis needs to be considered in a comprehensive manner. Detailed information is required on the history of the disease, including basic diseases, changes in living habits, urination and similar infections.
2. Checking the basis and note
Urea testing: An abnormally elevated indicator of white cells, erythrocytes, bacterial numbers, etc. in urine routines suggests infection, but older women may be condensed with urine due to the lack of drinking water, affecting the accuracy of the results.
Other examinations: Suspected urinary tract infections, increase in blood normal white cells, development of blood to determine bacterial blood intake, renal function examination to assess kidney function, ultrasound observation of urology system structure of the urinary system, screening of stones, obstacles, etc. Diagnosis needs to be made with the recognition of tumours in the urology system, hysteria in the bladder, etc., to prevent misdiagnosis.
IV. Treatment strategies and care
General treatment
Increased water intake, elimination of bacteria and reduction of symptoms through increased urine wash-down. Assistive urination, such as the abdomen, can be heated for patients with urination difficulties. Active treatment of basic diseases such as control of blood sugar for diabetic patients and adjustment of medication for hypertension patients.
2. Drug treatment
Select appropriate antibacterial drugs according to the area and severity of the infection. For simple urinary tract infections, oral drugs such as fururant entrails and trigenes are optional. In the case of urinary tract infections or severe conditions, intravenous use of antibacterial drugs, such as quinone, may be required. However, older women need to be particularly cautious in the use of anti-bacterial drugs, as their liver and kidney function may be reduced, their metabolism and excretion may be affected and they are vulnerable to adverse effects. The effects and adverse effects are closely observed during the treatment and the treatment programme is adapted to the situation.
The key role of preventive measures
1. In the area of personal hygiene: keeping the external vagina clean, cleaning the front-to-back with warm water every day, avoiding anal bacteria from contaminating the urinal tract, changing cotton and air-transmitting good underpants, and keeping the exterior dry.
2. In the area of urination habits: to avoid holding it for long periods and to develop regular urination habits.
3. Special cases are addressed: older women who are long-term bed rest or who are in a difficult position to move are required to periodically change their position, to undertake appropriate activities and to promote urine diversion. Invasive operations, such as urine guidance, are carried out in strict compliance with sterile operating principles to reduce the risk of infection.
In short, while urinary tract infections among older women are common, they are due to their particular physiological changes, complex symptoms and potentially serious consequences that must be given high priority. Awareness-raising, accurate diagnosis, sound treatment and active prevention are effective means of guaranteeing the health of older women ‘ s urinary systems and improving their quality of life.
