UTIs & Salt

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I've been reading through some of the information and came across

messages/files about UTIs and salt. I couldn't quite figure out how

they factor in to the care of a LO. Can someone explain the issues or

science behind salt in the diet and UTIs and what I should look out

for?

I read that some doctors prescribe salt for their patients with LBD-

why, I'm not sure? Are LBD patients more susceptible to UTIs- why is

that?

Wishing everyone on here all the best and hoping those affected by the

terrible weather are okay.

Thanks in advance.

-Holly

[Guest guest]

Dear Holly,

RE: UTIs and Other Infections: & nbsp; Quick take: 1) older people in general are

more prone to infections of all kinds. Their organs don't work as well as when

younger; they are more compromised; they tend to be less hungry and thirsty, so

don't get proper fluid intake; if " independent " they are less likely to be

attentive to hygiene issues (for example, many elders cannot easily clean

themselves after a BM - their range of motion is limited); if being cared for,

not all caregivers are properly attentive to hygiene, monitoring respiratory

functions, safeguarding against pressure sores, etc.; and the multiple meds many

elders take can increase & nbsp;infection risk; they are more likely & nbsp;to move

less and many are either wheel-chair or bed-bound, which predisposes to

infections . . . & nbsp;and on and on. & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; 2) & nbsp; People with LBD

and other neurological diseases are very prone to infection, especially UTIs and

such respiratory infections as

pneumonia. LBD, for example, can affect all the nervous system functions - so

bladder, kidney, bowel, colon, heart, respiration, body temperature regulation,

etc. can change. & nbsp;LBDers are also of course affected by all the 1) issues

noted above.

& nbsp;

My mom has had nearly-constant UTIs for several years. They appeared " from

nowhere " due to the LBD, and getting rid of them, ditto!

& nbsp;

Untreated infections can lead quickly to serious complications: UTIs can ascend,

affecting the kidneys, and dialysis may become necessary. Pathogens can enter

the blood stream, leading to sepsis (again simplistically: " blood poisoning. "

This is difficult to treat and, not uncommonly, is fatal.

& nbsp;

Also, infections in the elderly and other compromised people of any age - and

certainly those with LBD - may be difficult to detect, as textbook symptoms may

be absent or very mild and thus overlooked. In a generally healthy person, for

example, UTIs may present with: flank pain, fever, frequent urge to urinate,

burning when urinating, darkened urine, etc.

There is a huge body of clinical literature that warns that the compromised

group may be quite ill and have none of the above symptoms. We see this with my

mom - and with many of the seniors where I work. Professionals watch for & nbsp;

such changes as: restlessness, irritability, increased confusion, anxiety,

combativeness, crying, moaning. People with dementia are very affected by

infections but may not be able to describe pain, so that is another change to

note. Nurses are taught to take seriously a family member' comment like, " I

don't know what's wrong, but Dad just doesn't seem like himself. "

& nbsp;

And . . . many physicians, including those skilled in treating neurological

diseases, test aggressively for UTIs and pneumonia - and treat the so-called

" low grade " infections they might let pass in a healthier person. Ensuring our

loved ones get rapid and proper testing and treatment for any infection is

extremely important. Maintaining proper fluid intake is also vital. Limit sugary

drinks.Limit cafeeine. Water, water, water. 100% - not " juiced drinks. "

& nbsp;

Re: Salt - People with LBD are prone to extreme fluctuations in blood pressure,

generally rather rapid drops, especially when getting up. This can sometimes

cause dizziness and puts them at risk for falls. Some practitioners may increase

salt intake for LBDers: there are other, perhaps safer, ways to increase salt if

that is actually a problem. Blood tests can determine this, and to ensure a

proper electrolyte and blood chem levels. As a non-clinician, I've never felt

equipped to address this on my own, so follow the MD and PharmD guidance. It is

very hard to buy any sort of even " healthy " prepared food (cheese, crackers,

breads, soups, etc.) and not get & nbsp;high levels & nbsp;of salt. This is also

true of the great majority of institutional kitchens - low-salt diets in an

institution do not mean " no salt. " Beyond salt, MDs may suggest wearing TED

hose, plenty of liquid intake and, sometimes, a BP elevator. However, this is

done with caution.

& nbsp;

Hope this is helpful, Holly. Best wishes.

& nbsp;

Lin

& nbsp;

From: kahleorourke & lt;hollyorourke@... & gt;

Subject: UTIs & amp; Salt

To: LBDcaregivers

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2008, 3:51 PM

Hi there,

I've been reading through some of the information and came across

messages/files about UTIs and salt. I couldn't quite figure out how

they factor in to the care of a LO. Can someone explain the issues or

science behind salt in the diet and UTIs and what I should look out

for?

I read that some doctors prescribe salt for their patients with LBD-

why, I'm not sure? Are LBD patients more susceptible to UTIs- why is

that?

Wishing everyone on here all the best and hoping those affected by the

terrible weather are okay.

Thanks in advance.

-Holly

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