How UTI symptoms can change with age 

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you probably remember the feeling: pain when you pee, pressure in your lower belly and the sense that you need to stay close to the restroom.

Those are common UTI symptoms. But they’re not the only ones. UTI symptoms can also change as you get older, which can make the infection harder to recognize.

Many UTIs are straightforward to treat, but an untreated infection can sometimes spread to the kidneys or lead to a more serious infection. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and get care when you need it. 

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in your urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most UTIs affect the bladder, where urine is stored, or the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.

UTIs can affect people of all ages and genders, but they’re more common in women than in men. This is mostly because women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Hormonal changes can also increase the risk of UTIs. 

Common UTI symptoms

In children and younger adults, UTI symptoms often include:

• Pain or burning when you pee
• Pressure or cramping in your lower stomach
• An urgent or frequent need to pee
• Urine that is cloudy, bloody or smells bad

You may also feel like you need to pee even when your bladder is empty. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in your back or side. UTIs need medical care, so call your doctor or visit urgent care if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. 

UTI symptoms in older adults

Older adults may still have classic UTI symptoms, such as pain with urination, frequent urination or lower belly pressure. But symptoms can also be less obvious. Some older adults may have fatigue, dizziness, decreased appetite, balance problems, fever or chills.

A UTI can also cause a sudden change in thinking, mood or behavior in some older adults. That may look like new confusion, irritability, hallucinations or a noticeable change in personality. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for signs of dementia, another health condition or aging itself.

Because these symptoms can have many causes, it’s important not to assume a UTI is the reason for every sudden change. But if you or someone you care for has new confusion, weakness, fever, urinary symptoms or a sudden change in behavior, call a doctor. 

How do you get a UTI?

A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin to grow. Often, bacteria come from the skin or digestive tract and enter through the urethra. In some cases, infections that are passed through sexual contact can also cause urinary symptoms.

Some health conditions and life circumstances can make UTIs more likely, including constipation, catheter use, a weakened immune system, urinary tract blockages or other conditions that affect how well the bladder empties. 

UTI treatment and symptom relief

To diagnose a UTI, your doctor may ask about your symptoms and order a urine test. UTI treatment often includes antibiotics to fight the bacteria causing the infection.

While you’re waiting for treatment to work, drinking water, avoiding alcohol or caffeine, and using a heating pad on your lower abdomen may help you feel more comfortable. Home remedies may ease UTI symptoms, but they don’t treat the infection.

If you have a more complicated UTI or the infection has spread to your kidneys, you may need additional treatment. In some cases, people need care in the hospital. 

How can you help prevent a UTI?

A few everyday habits may help lower your risk of getting a UTI. Drinking water and peeing regularly can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Try not to hold urine for long periods of time, and take steps to prevent constipation, such as eating fiber, drinking water and being active.

Bathroom habits may also help. Wipe from front to back after using the restroom, and keep your genital area clean. Using the restroom before and after sex may also help reduce the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract.

You may have heard that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements can help prevent UTIs. But the research is mixed, and it’s not clear how effective they are. 

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor if you have pain or burning when you pee, an urgent or frequent need to pee, cloudy or bloody urine, lower belly pressure, fever, chills, back pain or side pain.

You should also call if an older adult has sudden confusion, weakness, fever, urinary symptoms or a new change in behavior. These symptoms can have many causes, and it’s important to find out what’s going on.

The sooner you know what’s causing your symptoms, the sooner you can get the right treatment. Even when symptoms aren’t caused by a UTI, they may be signs of another condition that needs care.