Antibiotics Not Suitable for Some UTIs in Older Adults
According to a new research study, antibiotics should not be prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs) to older adults. The research study was published in a journal. Several reasons have been pinpointed to understand why antibiotics may not be suitable among older adults for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Urinary tract infections are considered to be vague and an overused diagnosis that is applied usually to the older adults when they display no symptoms. They are diagnosed with it when their urine contains bacteria or may exhibit signs like falls, confusion, and other vague symptoms (like change in the colour or odour of the urine). In majority of the cases, antibiotics are known to benefit the older generation.
Several research studies are being carried out to understand the function of different kinds of viruses, bacteria, and other similar microorganisms that live in the human body. It is not unknown that a person’s urine contains viruses and bacteria. It is also proven that such microorganisms are helpful in maintaining the overall health of the body. But in certain cases, particularly in older adults, prescribing an antibiotic treatment can lead to harmful results.
The results of the new study has been able to highlight that some people should not be treated with antibiotics for urinary tract infections, which is the most commonly used treatment method. This calls for the need to come up with better treatment strategies among this set of people. Though the researchers were able to derive some concrete results, further research in the area is quite important to gain a clearer insight. It is also important to understand why some people are not benefitted when antibiotic medications are administered to them, specifically in older adults.
In spite of the harmful effects, the bodies of some people can actually benefit from antibiotics in case of urinary tract infections. The individuals falling under this category include:
- People who will be undergoing a bladder surgery or urinary tract surgery
- Pregnant women
- People suffering from invasive bacterial diseases, such as kidney infections
- People who need an antibiotic treatment urgently because of being too sick instead of the urine results
Individuals falling in the categories listed above have the chance of getting better with the help of antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Finucane mentioned in his paper that the microbiome studies focused mainly on examining the harms and benefits caused by the billions of microorganisms that reside naturally in any human body. The studies were able to show surprising results that when urinary tract infections are treated with the help of antibiotics, it can do more harm than good to the patients, opposing the popular belief.
Therefore, if any individual is suffering from a urinary tract infection or taking antibiotics for treating the condition, it is crucial to discuss about it with the healthcare professional before haphazardly changing the plan. Doctors, nurses, and other providers can work together with you to derive the best treatment plan suitable for your body.