| A bladder infection, commonly known as cystitis, | | | | serious, and could lead to permanent kidney |
| is a member of the very undesirable family of | | | | damage. A bladder infection in an elderly person |
| urinary tract infections (UTIs). It comes about as | | | | can be difficult to recognize, and the symptoms |
| a result of bacteria that originated in the anus | | | | are sometimes attributed to aging. Should an older |
| finding its way into the bladder from the urinary | | | | person suddenly have a problem with |
| tract. This circumstance will lead to an | | | | incontinence, or act unusually lethargic or |
| inflammation of the bladder, and an infection in the | | | | confused, don't take it for granted. Take the time |
| lower urinary tract. Women are much more likely | | | | to have the person examined by a doctor, as this |
| to suffer from this problem than men. In fact, it | | | | type of infection is much more serious for the |
| is estimated that 20% of all women will, at some | | | | elderly, and may even lead to a fatal condition. |
| time in their lives, have this infection. Why? Well, | | | | Here is a list of additional risk factors for this type |
| nobody knows for sure, but one theory is that | | | | of infection: * A narrow urethra * Bowel |
| because women have a shorter urethra (the tube | | | | incontinence * Enlarged prostate * Kidney stones |
| that removes urine from the bladder)that this | | | | * Sexually transmitted bacteria: chlamydia and |
| makes it easier for the bacteria to reach and | | | | mycoplasma * The use of a diaphragm for birth |
| enter the bladder. Elderly people (especially those | | | | control * Catheterization * Insufficient |
| in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also | | | | consumption of fluids * Immobility Familiarize |
| get more UTIs. While a man is much less likely to | | | | yourself with the symptoms, treatments, and |
| have this problem, his chances do increase as he | | | | prevention measures regarding bladder infections |
| ages. This is most likely due to an increase in | | | | and you should never have to be overly |
| prostate size. Are infections of the bladder | | | | concerned with this problem. While a bladder |
| serious? Yes, and no. If treated right away the | | | | infection can be quite uncomfortable and |
| chances of the infection becoming serious are slim. | | | | potentially serious, when recognized and treated |
| However, should the condition go untreated it | | | | they clear up quickly and are relatively harmless. |
| could lead to a kidney infection which is more | | | | |