What Causes Kidney Infections In Elderly

Why are the elderly prone to utis.

What causes kidney infections in elderly. Coli are most often the cause. Some of the structural and physiologic changes in kidney function are the result of normal aging. Another common cause of kidney damage is the drainage tubes of the kidneys being blocked which can occur when seniors get kidney stones that keep waste products from properly evacuating the kidneys.

Kidney stones occur due to a combination of mineral buildup and a lack of water. One of the most common causes of decreased kidney function in elderly patients is diabetes. Inflammation or swelling of the kidneys this can be caused by conditions such as glomerulonephritis.

Kidney stones may also lead to kidney infections due to blockage of the urinary tracts. Board certified doctor now wait time is less than 1 minute. Diabetes can cause damage to the kidney s nerves and blood vessels even if your diabetes is well controlled.

Older people are more at risk of some kidney and urinary tract diseases. However medications such as nonsteroidal anti inflammatory agents aspirin and some herbal preparations are nephrotoxic and are also common culprits contributing to kidney disease in this population. Although it s unusual to develop a kidney infection it can happen for instance if you have an artificial joint or heart valve that becomes infected.

There are several other causes of kidneys not functioning properly. Diabetes this is the most common cause of kidney disease in australia. Types of age related kidney disease.

Utis are also a leading cause of sepsis an extreme and potentially life threatening bodily response to an infection. Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in your body also can spread through your bloodstream to your kidneys. Causes that lead to kidney damage include blood clots in the veins cholesterol deposits that block blood flow inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys premature destruction of red blood.