Latest news with #ColinBrown
Daily Mirror
42 minutes ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
People over 50 being woken up in the middle of the night due to infection
In one year, 200,000 patients were hospitalised due to this preventable illness. Health experts have issued a warning as an infection that wakes you up in the middle of the night is more dangerous to people over the age of 50. In an update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained that older people are more likely to become hospitalised due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system including the urethra, bladder or kidneys. While most lower UTIs cause 'mild discomfort' and go away on their own or with antibiotics, some can progress to more serious infections. This can lead to including upper UTIs affecting the kidneys, leading to bloodstream infections and sepsis. Data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database showed that between the 2023 and 2023 financial year there were nearly 200,000 UTI-related patients in England. This includes infections acquired in both community and hospital settings. Those admissions resulted in 1.2 million bed days, averaging six bed days per infection, the UKHSA said. The findings highlighted the disproportionate impact of UTIs on older people and women. According to the data, 52.7 per cent of admissions were patients aged over 70 and 61.8 per cent were female. While women were nearly five times more likely to require hospital treatment for a UTI in people under 50 years old (24.7 per cent female compared to 5.3 per cent male), this levelled out in age groups over 50 (37.1 per cent female compared to 32.9 per cent male). The UKHSA noted: 'This highlights the need for men over 50 to also pay early attention to urinary symptoms and seek treatment that may prevent hospitalisation.' Hospitalisations for UTIs were at their lowest in 2020 to 2021 – possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. But since then, admissions have increased, climbing by nine per cent in 2023 to 2024 compared to the previous year. The UKHSA stated that detecting and treating a UTI early is 'important'. Symptoms Some of the early symptoms of UTI include: Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently than usual Passing lots of urine at night Pain or a burning sensation when urinating Having cloudy-looking urine New pain in the lower tummy Severe kidney pain or pain in the lower back Blood in the urine For some people it can include changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, warned that people over the age of 50 are most vulnerable to the risks of UTIs. He said: 'Urinary Tract Infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented. 'We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. 'If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections. 'Preventing UTIs is also important in our fight against antibiotic resistance as they are often treated with antibiotics, which drives resistance in bacteria. Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping to keep antibiotics working for longer.' Lower your risk People can reduce their risk of catching a UTI in the first place by: Drinking enough fluids regularly, especially in hot weather – more trips to the toilet may be needed, but that shouldn't stop you drinking Avoiding holding pee - go to the toilet as soon as possible when you need to Washing, or shower daily where possible especially if you suffer from incontinence keep the genital area clean and dry, and check and change leakage of urine pads often Wiping from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading Washing genitals before and after sex Talking to your healthcare professional if you have frequent UTIs, as they may be able to suggest treatments that could help If you experience UTI symptoms you should speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Many UTI hospital admissions could be prevented, according to experts
One in three hospital trips for urinary tract infections (UTIs) could potentially be avoided, experts have said. It comes as new data suggests UTIs cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023/24. Admissions increased by 9% during the year compared with the previous 12 months, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). UTIs can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys, and can include symptoms such as pain while peeing, blood in the pee, and pain in the tummy or back. The infections are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. UKHSA analysis of the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database found there were 189,759 hospital admissions relating to UTIs in England in 2023/24. This resulted in 1.2 million NHS bed days, averaging six bed days per infection. However, a third of UTI patients were in hospital for less than a day, meaning other treatment options could be considered, according to the UKHSA. Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said: 'Urinary tract infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.' The figures also show hospital admissions for UTIs increased up by 9% in 2023/24 compared with the previous year. However, levels are still below those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. More than half of all UTI admissions (52.7%) included in the data were patients aged over 70, and more than six in 10 (61.8%) were women. Women were nearly five times more likely to need hospital treatment for a UTI in people under the age of 50. To avoid catching a UTI, experts advise people to drink enough fluid regularly, avoid holding in pee, wash daily, keep the genital areas clean and dry and wipe from front to back when on the toilet to avoid bacteria spreading. Dr Brown said: 'We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. 'Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. 'If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E, to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.' Dr Brown also stressed that preventing UTIs is important to tackle antibiotic resistance, as they are often treated with antibiotics. 'Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping keep antibiotics working for longer,' he said. Professor Matt Inada-Kim, national clinical director for infections management and antimicrobial resistance at NHS England, said: 'Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. 'They are more serious in older patients and, in particular, those with catheters but they can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene. 'Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow and it is vital that we do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education and providing easy access to healthcare, including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.' Reacting to the UKHSA analysis, Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'It's clear from this research that certain simple changes to behaviour can help prevent UTIs. 'However, if people have noticed the early symptoms of an UTI, which include things such a burning sensation when urinating or needing the toilet more frequently than normal, they can be quickly and safely treated in their local pharmacy without having to visit their GP or A&E under the Pharmacy First scheme. 'This can prevent much more serious health complications from leaving UTIs untreated.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Many UTI hospital admissions could be prevented, according to experts
It comes as new data suggests UTIs cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023/24. Admissions increased by 9% during the year compared with the previous 12 months, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). UTIs can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys, and can include symptoms such as pain while peeing, blood in the pee, and pain in the tummy or back. The infections are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. UKHSA analysis of the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database found there were 189,759 hospital admissions relating to UTIs in England in 2023/24. This resulted in 1.2 million NHS bed days, averaging six bed days per infection. However, a third of UTI patients were in hospital for less than a day, meaning other treatment options could be considered, according to the UKHSA. Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said: 'Urinary tract infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.' The figures also show hospital admissions for UTIs increased up by 9% in 2023/24 compared with the previous year. However, levels are still below those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. More than half of all UTI admissions (52.7%) included in the data were patients aged over 70, and more than six in 10 (61.8%) were women. Women were nearly five times more likely to need hospital treatment for a UTI in people under the age of 50. To avoid catching a UTI, experts advise people to drink enough fluid regularly, avoid holding in pee, wash daily, keep the genital areas clean and dry and wipe from front to back when on the toilet to avoid bacteria spreading. Dr Brown said: 'We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. 'Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. 'If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E, to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.' Dr Brown also stressed that preventing UTIs is important to tackle antibiotic resistance, as they are often treated with antibiotics. 'Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping keep antibiotics working for longer,' he said. Professor Matt Inada-Kim, national clinical director for infections management and antimicrobial resistance at NHS England, said: 'Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. 'They are more serious in older patients and, in particular, those with catheters but they can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene. 'Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow and it is vital that we do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education and providing easy access to healthcare, including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.'
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Many UTI hospital admissions could be prevented, according to experts
It comes as new data suggests UTIs cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023/24. Admissions increased by 9% during the year compared with the previous 12 months, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). UTIs can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys, and can include symptoms such as pain while peeing, blood in the pee, and pain in the tummy or back. The infections are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. UKHSA analysis of the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database found there were 189,759 hospital admissions relating to UTIs in England in 2023/24. This resulted in 1.2 million NHS bed days, averaging six bed days per infection. However, a third of UTI patients were in hospital for less than a day, meaning other treatment options could be considered, according to the UKHSA. Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said: 'Urinary tract infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.' The figures also show hospital admissions for UTIs increased up by 9% in 2023/24 compared with the previous year. However, levels are still below those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. More than half of all UTI admissions (52.7%) included in the data were patients aged over 70, and more than six in 10 (61.8%) were women. Women were nearly five times more likely to need hospital treatment for a UTI in people under the age of 50. To avoid catching a UTI, experts advise people to drink enough fluid regularly, avoid holding in pee, wash daily, keep the genital areas clean and dry and wipe from front to back when on the toilet to avoid bacteria spreading. Dr Brown said: 'We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. 'Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. 'If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E, to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.' Dr Brown also stressed that preventing UTIs is important to tackle antibiotic resistance, as they are often treated with antibiotics. 'Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping keep antibiotics working for longer,' he said. Professor Matt Inada-Kim, national clinical director for infections management and antimicrobial resistance at NHS England, said: 'Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. 'They are more serious in older patients and, in particular, those with catheters but they can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene. 'Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow and it is vital that we do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education and providing easy access to healthcare, including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.'
Leader Live
a day ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Many UTI hospital admissions could be prevented, according to experts
It comes as new data suggests UTIs cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023/24. Admissions increased by 9% during the year compared with the previous 12 months, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). UTIs can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys, and can include symptoms such as pain while peeing, blood in the pee, and pain in the tummy or back. The infections are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. UKHSA analysis of the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database found there were 189,759 hospital admissions relating to UTIs in England in 2023/24. This resulted in 1.2 million NHS bed days, averaging six bed days per infection. However, a third of UTI patients were in hospital for less than a day, meaning other treatment options could be considered, according to the UKHSA. Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said: 'Urinary tract infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.' The figures also show hospital admissions for UTIs increased up by 9% in 2023/24 compared with the previous year. However, levels are still below those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. More than half of all UTI admissions (52.7%) included in the data were patients aged over 70, and more than six in 10 (61.8%) were women. Women were nearly five times more likely to need hospital treatment for a UTI in people under the age of 50. To avoid catching a UTI, experts advise people to drink enough fluid regularly, avoid holding in pee, wash daily, keep the genital areas clean and dry and wipe from front to back when on the toilet to avoid bacteria spreading. Dr Brown said: 'We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. 'Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. 'If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E, to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.' Dr Brown also stressed that preventing UTIs is important to tackle antibiotic resistance, as they are often treated with antibiotics. 'Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping keep antibiotics working for longer,' he said. Professor Matt Inada-Kim, national clinical director for infections management and antimicrobial resistance at NHS England, said: 'Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. 'They are more serious in older patients and, in particular, those with catheters but they can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene. 'Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow and it is vital that we do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education and providing easy access to healthcare, including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.'
