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billbradleynh Asked June 2017

How do you stop a urine infection in a senior?

92 years old

Cherylmorgan11 Jun 2017
To prevent a UTI, make sure he is drinking plenty of fluids (avoid sugary drinks). Cranberry juice is helpful. Avoid overuse of antibiotics (causes overgrowth of bacteria). If he is incontinent try natural briefs (no voc's). If he does not need protective underwear try PACT organic underwear. Pact is a wonderful company. I can't say enough good things about organic clothing ( synthetic clothing can be very irritating). Pact Organic are the only clothes my loved ones wear. Put him on probiotics as a preventative measure (some probiotics need refrigeration, some don't). I use acidophilus lactobacillus. To alleviate the pain of a current UTI mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with two capsules (empty capsules into the water for fast absorption) of grapefruit seed extract in a 16 oz glass of water. Mix and drink down quickly. (This is not grapefruit that affects medication). It tastes totally repulsive but have him toss it off quickly and give him a mint to kill the aftertaste. This will afford immediate relief. Do not use this more than twice a day in a 24 hour period. Too much baking soda can be toxic. I use Organic baking soda at the health food store but other baking soda works just as well. I have had amazing success with this routine. I would also have him wear the Pact 100 percent organic sweatpants that are breathable and are deliciously comfortable. I hope this helps your loved one. My sister hasn't had a UTI since I have followed this routine and she used to have them frequently. God bless you. Sending you much love and prayers!!

lealonnie1 Jun 2017
Susan........a UTI will NOT normally 'go away on its own' and can easily turn into a kidney infection or worse! Many UTIs have NO noticeable symptoms, such as burning while urinating! When my dad was acting 'spaced out' we'd have him tested for UTIs and quite often, the test was positive in spite of him showing no typical symptoms. Same thing with my mom. No matter how clean an elderly person is, some urine is trapped inside the bladder after each elimination, builds up, and can create a UTI. In my parents case, their UTIs were never treated with anything other than antibiotics; no holistic cures that I know of are effective.

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Grandma1954 Jun 2017
If by stop you mean treat..
A UTI or bladder infection needs to be treated by a Doctor.
They can be hard to diagnose.
If by "Stop" them do you mean prevent?
Often you can't but there are things you can do to limit the risk and even these hints may not work all the time.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Cranberry juice will sometimes help prevent them if one is prone to bladder infections.
Urinate often.
Clean the "peri area" well.
Change pants, briefs, underpads and clothing and bedding as soon as it gets wet.
If the person is using a bedpan or a urinal clean and sanitize that after each use. If this is a reoccurring problem it would be a good idea to clean and sanitize the toilet seat or commode seat if this is used.
If the person has a catheter it might not be possible to prevent the UTI's as this is one of the problems with having a cath, the increased risk of UTI's.

Guestshopadmin Jun 2017
If you mean treat it, you need antibiotics prescribed by doctor. If you mean prevent ones that keep coming back, consult a urologist. They can evaluate whether diet change, constant antibiotics, change in incontinence products, or catheter will help.

stargazer Jun 2017
I second the cranberry juice or supplement. Also, as people have mentioned, hygiene is crucial (and often the first thing to go).

RayLinStephens Jun 2017
Definitely a doctor.

YOU cannot stop a urine infection. You can only make sure the person sees a physician and a urine analysis needs to be done. UTI's can be devastating so the sooner the better.

Susanonlyone Jun 2017
A UTI (urinary track infection) will go away on its own. Many people have them and are not even aware that they do. However, UTI's with severe symptoms such as burning can be treated with drugs other than antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can be a problem. Also, wearing Depends and changing them often ensures clean underwear that won't breed bacteria. 

Marcelo Jun 2017
If a person is known to contract recurrent UTIs, you can use a two tier approach. Antibiotics will treat the innediate infection but your loved one will still run the risk of getting another. The best approach to treat recurrent UTIs would be to also prevent the flow of pathogens (that live naturally in the anal and perineal areas) to the urethra. Look into UTI Freedomsrltrips, they do just that. Although designed for use in females they will also work on a male. 

findthehumor Jun 2017
If the urine smells strong the risk greater. A home health rep told me to increase the water if the urine smells strong and that has helped. Also, a Cranberry supplement seems to help and is OTC. As for causes not yet mentioned, I found mom putting a little tissue in her panties for just in case moments, which contributed to keeping conditions right for the UTI. Long story short, check our your loved one's health habits; they often do the unexpected.

Oyveyreally Jun 2017
Antibiotics to treat. This is nothing to mess with. Septic UTIs are a leading cause of death for seniors. To prevent use cranberry juice or supplement. Lots of water or water w. additive like Crystal Lite. Good hygiene/cleanliness.

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