What Increases Your Risk for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria?
What Increases Your Risk for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria?
Risk Factors Uncovered
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing asymptomatic bacteriuria without you even knowing it. Learn what they are and how they affect you.
Contents
- Age and Gender
- Diabetes and Other Conditions
- Hospitalization and Catheters
Age and Gender
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is more common in females, especially as they age. In fact, over 20% of women over 80 have it. The risk is linked to hormonal changes and changes in the urinary tract with age.
Diabetes and Other Conditions
Individuals with diabetes, especially women, have a higher risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria. This is due to changes in immune function and blood sugar levels. Other health conditions that compromise the immune system may also increase the risk.
Hospitalization and Catheters
People in hospitals or long-term care facilities and those with catheters are at increased risk. The use of catheters introduces bacteria into the urinary tract, while hospitalization exposes individuals to a variety of bacterial strains.
FAQs
Who is more likely to have asymptomatic bacteriuria?
Older women and those with diabetes.
Does having a catheter increase risk?
Yes, catheters increase the risk of bacterial presence.
Is hospitalization a risk factor?
Yes, due to exposure to bacterial strains.
Why does diabetes increase risk?
It alters immune function and sugar levels.
The Bottom Line
Knowing your risk factors can help you manage your health better and avoid complications.
Additional References
- Zhanel GG, Nicolle LE, Harding GK. Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and associated host factors in women with diabetes mellitus.
- Boyko EJ, Fihn SD, Scholes D, et al. Risk of urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria among diabetic and nondiabetic postmenopausal women.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.