Warning from Expert on Infection in the Elderly: Don't Wait for Fever

Güven Çayyolu Medical Center Internal Medicine Specialist, who made a statement on the occasion of October 1, World Elderly Day. Dr. Mustafa Özdemir pointed out that infection processes in older individuals may be much different and hidden compared to young people.

Specialist emphasizes that families and caregivers should not focus only on high fever. Dr. Özdemir stated that sudden changes in a person's habitual behavior, nutrition and daily living skills are of vital importance.

INFECTION MAY OCCUR WITH DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS

Specialist stated that high fever may not be seen as a significant symptom during infection in the elderly. Dr. Mustafa Özdemir made the following warnings:

"When infection is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is fever. However, this symptom may not always be seen in advanced age. Instead, sudden absent-mindedness, confusion, loss of appetite, regression in daily functions or changes in breathing may occur. When a person who was previously able to perform daily tasks suddenly begins to have difficulty or his communication with his environment changes, the cause should be investigated. Attributing these changes only to old age may delay the recognition of the underlying health problem."

"KNOWING A PERSON'S NORMAL CONDITION SHOWS THE WAY"

Stating that detailed observations of the patient's relatives and caregivers contribute greatly to the diagnosis process, Özdemir said, "Knowing how the person normally communicates, how much he eats, and to what extent he is able to perform his daily tasks makes it easier to notice new changes. The observation of relatives that "It is different than usual" is important. The information given about when the change started and how it progressed will guide the evaluation."

NOT ALL CONFUSION MEANS INFECTION

However, Specialist underlines that such behavioral and physical changes alone do not mean a definitive diagnosis of infection. Dr. Özdemir noted that sudden confusion could also be caused by different health problems.

Özdemir said, "When absent-mindedness or confusion is observed, one should not directly conclude infection. The important thing is to determine the cause of this change. In the physician's evaluation, the onset of symptoms, the person's current diseases, the medications used and the examination findings are considered together. The necessary examinations are planned according to this evaluation."

DETECTING BACTERIA IN URINE DOES NOT REQUIRE ANTIBIOTICS BY ITSELF

Internal Medicine Specialist Specialist touched upon the frequent mistakes made especially in urine tests and unnecessary drug use. Dr. Mustafa Özdemir emphasized that clinical findings are essential:

"Detecting bacteria in the urine does not alone diagnose a urinary tract infection and does not require the use of antibiotics in every case. The treatment decision should be made by evaluating the person's symptoms and clinical findings together. Starting antibiotics based on only one test result may lead to unnecessary medication use."

Reminding that it is necessary to consult a healthcare institution without delay in case of new onset or rapidly progressing changes, Özdemir concluded his words by saying, "Do not wait for fever in the elderly; pay attention to the sudden change in the usual state. These changes do not necessarily mean that there is an infection, but they require evaluation of the cause. Realizing that the person is different from usual and sharing this with the physician without delay can help determine the health problem early."