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Most common symptoms of UTIs in different age groups

Health

We all know that UTI’s are very common, but have you ever wondered exactly how common they are?

What happens in our bodies when we get a UTI? What about how UTIs present in different age groups? And what to do when you’re suffering from the symptoms? Read on to find out these answers, and more.

Let’s start with what happens in our bodies when we get a UTI.

According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, a UTI is usually caused by bacteria or germs attacking the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Under normal circumstances the urinary tract is sterile, or free of bacteria. [1]

So, exactly how common are UTIs?

As per research cited below and available with the US’ National Library of medicine, UTIs affect both men and women of all age groups, though women are more likely to get them, at a ratio of 8:1. Approximately 50–60% of women report at least one UTI in their lifetime, and one in three will have at least one symptomatic UTI necessitating antibiotic treatment by age 24. [2]

Now, coming to how symptoms present differently for different age groups.

The list below is compiled from information published by Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, NHS UK and, National Library of Medicine. We’re focusing on adults, older adults, and the elderly since symptoms in young adults, teenagers, and adolescents can present differently.

In Adults

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Urine that appears cloudy
  • Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone [3]

In Older Adults, or the Elderly

  • Sudden changes in urinary habits (such as increased frequency or urgency).
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Pain or tenderness in the pelvis, lower back or abdomen
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue [4]

For severe cases of UTIs including Cystitis – which is a common form of urinary tract infection common, particularly in women [5] or if you are facing the symptoms for the first time, you might want to consult a doctor. For Adult women suffering from Cystitis symptoms like burning and stinging, you could consider Cystoplus®. Cystoplus® is an over-the-counter medication that can be started at the first signs of cystitis, a form of urinary tract infection in women, with symptoms that include burning pain and stinging sensation.

Cystoplus® works by raising urine pH which helps in reducing the pain associated with cystitis. It contains Sodium Citrate, which has been demonstrated to provide significant cystitis symptom relief. [6]

This product may not be right for you. Always read and follow the labels.

Cystoplus® is a registered trademark owned by Norwell Consumer Healthcare Inc.

References

  1. The Kidney Foundation of Canada, available here - https://kidney.ca/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=277b1484-9728-4c55-ad82-befb48060273
  2. Source National Library of Medicine which cites
    a. Rahn DD. Urinary tract infections: contemporary management. Urol Nurs. 2008;28:333–41
    b. Foxman B. Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: incidence, morbidity, and economic costs. Am J Med. 2002;113:5–11S.
    c. Source - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3749018/
  3. Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
  4. Cleveland Clinic - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/things-you-should-know-about-utis-in-older-adults/
  5. NHS UK - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/kidneys-bladder-and-prostate/cystitis
  6. National Library of Medicine - PubMed. Gov - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6692966/

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