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How Can Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elderly Person Be Treated?
Question: I'm 66 and get chronic uti's all the time. Treat with tetrycicline yet it never completely goes away. Now it is so bad I am barely able to move, get out of bed etc. I have an ileostomy and other medical issues. Can't treat them due to this infection. Please any help would be appreciated. Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Chronic UTI is mostly due to Senile Urethral Stenosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for query.
Based on the facts that you have posted Chronic UTI that you have is mostly due to Senile Urethral Stenosis.
In female as the age advances (after 60 years), there is generalized atrophy of Genito Urinary organs that involves urethral passage too. This leads to narrowing of urethral passage what is called as Urethral Stenosis. This narrowing of urethra causes incomplete emptying of bladder every time when you pass urine resulting into some amount of urine to remain in bladder what is called as Post Void Residual (PVR) urine. This PVR is the source of infection UTI.
I would suggest you consult qualified Urologist and get following basic tests done to confirm the diagnosis.
1) Urine routine and culture.
2) Ultrasound scanning of abdomen and pelvis
3) Endoscopic examination of the bladder (Cystoscopy)
He would do urethral Calibration at the same time which should be followed by self Urethral Dilatation at home every day to keep your urethra widely dilated. This will help to empty your bladder completely and prevent from having PVR and thereby getting recurrent UTI.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thanks and regards,
Dr. P. T. Patil, Urologist
Chronic UTI is mostly due to Senile Urethral Stenosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for query.
Based on the facts that you have posted Chronic UTI that you have is mostly due to Senile Urethral Stenosis.
In female as the age advances (after 60 years), there is generalized atrophy of Genito Urinary organs that involves urethral passage too. This leads to narrowing of urethral passage what is called as Urethral Stenosis. This narrowing of urethra causes incomplete emptying of bladder every time when you pass urine resulting into some amount of urine to remain in bladder what is called as Post Void Residual (PVR) urine. This PVR is the source of infection UTI.
I would suggest you consult qualified Urologist and get following basic tests done to confirm the diagnosis.
1) Urine routine and culture.
2) Ultrasound scanning of abdomen and pelvis
3) Endoscopic examination of the bladder (Cystoscopy)
He would do urethral Calibration at the same time which should be followed by self Urethral Dilatation at home every day to keep your urethra widely dilated. This will help to empty your bladder completely and prevent from having PVR and thereby getting recurrent UTI.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thanks and regards,
Dr. P. T. Patil, Urologist
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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