What Causes Recurrent UTI With Fever And Chills?

Posted on Fri, 20 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : What may cause recurrent UTI with fever and chills, about every 3 to 6 months, in a 78 year old female?

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Loss of estrogen & urinary incontinence

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
welcome to HCM
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I would answer your question.

A Urinary tract infection always presents with fever and chills.

The usual reasons are related to age, it could be loss of estrogen effect as well as urinary incontinence.

Other reasons include malnutrition which can reduce your body immunity to infectious organisms.
Loss of estrogen effect leads to changes in vaginal pH and thinning of vaginal wall. The normal protective vaginal flora is also lost.

Urinary incontinence can lead to inadequate voiding and any stagnant urine can lead to recurrent infection.

Try to improve your nutrition and take good amount of fluids. Maintain hygiene in relation to toileting.
Hope i answered you. Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj