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Suggest Treatment For UTI In An Elderly
Question: My Mom is 91 years old and fighting an e. coli UTI that has become resistant to antibiotics. She is now on macrobid (spelling) and is experiencing falling 3x/in the last two weeks...what can we do to help her?
Brief Answer:
Good hydration, protein rich diet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. It is possibly due to hypotension or hypoglycemia secondary to infection or drug interactions.
2. She will need to take plenty of fluids (it will help in clearing the infection along with maintenance of blood pressure.
3. The body is fighting an infection and is using up most of her strength, she will need to eat well principally a protein rich diet.
If she were my patient I would advise:
1. Urine culture to identify sensitive antibiotics.
2. Evaluation of blood pressure and blood glucose levels (if not maintaining a good diet)
3. Good hydration and protein rich diet.
4. Risk of postural hypotension present. She needs to change positions (posture) very slowly to avoid any sudden fall in blood pressure (sitting to standing or sleeping to sitting or standing). Normally also elderly have postural hypotension, during infections or drug interactions, it can be excessive.
5. She is on multiple CNS medications, which can cause dizziness, so she will require support. Importantly now, until the infection clears up.
6. Caretaker needs to always around as any fall could serious injuries, disabilities along with hospitalization and increased risk of institutionalization. Caretaker should help her in going to toilets and getting her ready, etc.
7. Any unstable furniture surrounding her, low lying furniture, uneven stairs, slippery floor, inadequate lighting, wires, cords needs to be removed or she should not be allowed to use the areas. Elderly have a propensity to wander and caretaker should be able to guide her to avoid the risky areas.
8. Walking stick (specifically four legged one) could give her support.
9. Adequate sleep, slow movements, good hydration and protein diet is essential.
Look into her symptoms and possible risk of why she fell and how she fell, so exact possible diagnosis can be made. She is not in a position to stop many medications. Hope the macrolides were started after a culture and its helping with infection.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Good hydration, protein rich diet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. It is possibly due to hypotension or hypoglycemia secondary to infection or drug interactions.
2. She will need to take plenty of fluids (it will help in clearing the infection along with maintenance of blood pressure.
3. The body is fighting an infection and is using up most of her strength, she will need to eat well principally a protein rich diet.
If she were my patient I would advise:
1. Urine culture to identify sensitive antibiotics.
2. Evaluation of blood pressure and blood glucose levels (if not maintaining a good diet)
3. Good hydration and protein rich diet.
4. Risk of postural hypotension present. She needs to change positions (posture) very slowly to avoid any sudden fall in blood pressure (sitting to standing or sleeping to sitting or standing). Normally also elderly have postural hypotension, during infections or drug interactions, it can be excessive.
5. She is on multiple CNS medications, which can cause dizziness, so she will require support. Importantly now, until the infection clears up.
6. Caretaker needs to always around as any fall could serious injuries, disabilities along with hospitalization and increased risk of institutionalization. Caretaker should help her in going to toilets and getting her ready, etc.
7. Any unstable furniture surrounding her, low lying furniture, uneven stairs, slippery floor, inadequate lighting, wires, cords needs to be removed or she should not be allowed to use the areas. Elderly have a propensity to wander and caretaker should be able to guide her to avoid the risky areas.
8. Walking stick (specifically four legged one) could give her support.
9. Adequate sleep, slow movements, good hydration and protein diet is essential.
Look into her symptoms and possible risk of why she fell and how she fell, so exact possible diagnosis can be made. She is not in a position to stop many medications. Hope the macrolides were started after a culture and its helping with infection.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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