What is Stoma:
A stoma is an artificially constructed opening on the abdomen, through which waste, like urine or stool, can be released from the body. This surgery connects the digestive or urinary system so that the normal pathway for letting waste out cannot be used. Stomas may be temporary or permanent and depend on the underlying medical condition. They are often required following surgeries used to treat colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or bladder conditions.
A stoma can look strange the first time and be challenging to live with, but, with proper care, most people can recover easily to a perfectly normal life. The skills of how you should care for and manage your stoma will help you maintain hygiene, avoid infections, and enable your stoma to function properly.
Types of Stomas
There are three major categories of stomas classified based on the organ system it is attached to:
1. Colostomy:
A stoma is created if a part of the colon or rectum must be removed or rested and healed. Waste is evacuated through the colostomy from the body into a stoma bag, not through the anus. Colostomies can either be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition of the patient.
2. Ileostomy:
This stoma is made when the entire colon is bypassed or removed. The small intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to form this stoma. Since waste will be less processed in an ileostomy, it tends to be more liquid. So, ailing for an ileostomy requires exceptional care related to hydration.
3. Urostomy:
If the bladder must be removed or bypassed, a patient will have a urostomy. Urine will come through the body through the stoma into a special collection bag. Urostomies are most used after surgery to remove the bladder or if the bladder does not work due to disease or injury.
Every type of stoma has specific individualized care needs, but the basics of keeping the stoma clean and working properly are the same.
How to Take Care of a Stoma
Proper ostomy care should be prioritized to avoid complications such as skin irritation or infection and ensure overall good health. An individual needs to find a routine and the right products to clean, protect, and take care of the area that holds the stoma.
1. Daily Cleaning Routine:
Frequent cleaning of the skin around the stoma is also a requirement in this case. Water should be used with a mild soap, fragrance-free. Avoid using products containing alcohol, perfumes, or harsh chemicals that could tend to dry out or irritate the skin. Pat is very dry after washing to avoid accumulation under the stoma bag.
2. Choosing the Right Stoma Bag:
Choosing the right stoma bag for oneself depends on the kind of stoma one has and their lifestyle. Ostomy bags come in one-piece and two-piece systems. With proper advice, you can choose what is appropriate for you. The case is that the bag must fit well to prevent leakages while keeping the skin moisturized.
3. Skin Care Around the Stoma:
The skin around the stoma should not become irritated or develop rashes. An irritation around your skin might sometimes be relieved by adjusting the size of the opening in the ostomy bag, changing products, or consulting a healthcare professional. Lastly, adhesive remover products should be minimal, as frequent, and uncontrolled application may irritate your skin.
4. Emptying and Changing the Ostomy Bag:
Most patients with an ostomy must empty the bag numerous times a day, depending on the type of stoma and diet. The bag should be emptied when it reaches one-third full. In most systems, a complete change of bags should occur every 3 to 5 days.
Issues Faced with a Stoma
There is little doubt that having a stoma can improve quality of life, but the familiarity of the challenges people face is undeniable. Familiarity with such issues will better enable effective management.
1. Skin Irritation:
Irritation to the skin around the stoma is one of the most frequent complaints of ostomy users. It can occur due to leakage, poor fit of the ostomy bag, and reactions to adhesives, among others. Reduce irritation; the ostomy bag fits well and thoroughly clean peristomal skin.
2. Leaks:
Stoma leaks often occur and are more common if the ostomy bag is not attached properly, or if it has become aged. Ensure the bag's entrance is the same size as the stoma and tied down well enough to avoid leaking. Make sure the adhesive of the ostomy appliance does not suffer wear and tear.
3. Odour:
Although ostomy bags are now made to control for odour, improper sealing or certain foods and drugs may increase the risk of odours when "unwanted" odours are produced. So, be sure the bag is fully sealed, and you may need to modify your diet to include no garlic, onions, or eggs.
4. Blockages:
People with an ileostomy are prone to obstruction because food does not pass through the stoma and is not processed by this organ. The patient will complain of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and reduced or no output from the stoma. In an instance of obstruction, always refer immediately to a healthcare provider because treatment is done hastily.
5. Prolapse and Retraction:
Prolapse is a condition where the stoma appears longer and bulges more than it normally Retraction is the instance when the stoma pulls down to lie below the level of the skin. Both could prompt changes in your care routine or medical intervention.
6. Social and Emotional Challenges:
Life with a stoma may present emotional challenges like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It may help in connecting with a support group, consulting a counsellor, and getting counselling from family and friends through effective communication.
Steps for Cleaning and Changing an Ostomy Bag
Cleaning and changing the ostomy bag should be properly done to maintain good, healthy skin; otherwise, complications may occur. Here are the steps you can follow to take diligent care.
1. Prepare Your Supplies:
Have all the supplies in place before you start: warm water, gentle soap, clean clothes or paper towels, stoma powder, adhesive remover if required, a new ostomy pouch, and any stoma creams or barrier wipes you will use.
2. Empty the Old Bag:
Take out the contents of the old bag into the toilet. Cleaning may be easier when the bag is less full. It also avoids spillage during the change.
3. Remove the Old Bag:
Peel the adhesive from your skin from the top gently, using adhesive remover spray or wipes in case irritation occurs to the skin. Dispose of the bag properly.
4. Clean the Stoma and Skin:
Using a soft cloth or paper towel, gently cleanse the stoma and the surrounding skin with warm water. Scrubbing and fluids containing alcohol or perfumery should be avoided, as these may irritate the skin. Pat dry.
5. Inspect the Skin:
Look around the peristomal skin for signs of irritation, redness, or sores. If there are any signs of skin damage, apply stoma powder or cream as directed by your physician.
6. Prepare and Attach the New Bag:
Cut an entry point in the new ostomy pouch according to the size of your stoma. You can attach the skin barrier cream or paste where necessary. The opening of the ostomy pouch should be connected to the stoma for it to adhere firmly to the skin. Ensure that the new pouch will be attached securely to prevent leakage.
7. Check for Leaks and Comfort:
Once the ileostomy bag is applied, examine the seal to make sure that there are no gaps or crevices that might contribute to leakage. The ileostomy bag should also be comfortable and not tension-causing on the skin.
8. Dispose of the Old Bag Properly:
Put used ostomy bags in a plastic or disposal bag and then put them in the trash, but you should never flush them down the toilet.
Conclusion
Sometime life with a stoma requires taking up new challenges, but a proper care routine can maintain an excellent quality of life. If you have a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, you must learn how to take care of your stoma and prevent irritation, as well as manage your ostomy bag so you feel comfortable and content. Following the tips will ensure good hygiene and avoid common complications as confidence portrayed throughout the day. For any specific medical advice, visit your doctor; also, seek help from ostomy care specialists.
FAQs
- What can you not do with a stoma?
With a stoma, no heavy lifting allowed because it can cause strain and potentially increase the risk of hernia, no tight clothing over the stoma. Avoid rough contact sports that may damage or injure the stoma.
- How often should a stoma have cleaned?
You must clean your stoma whenever you change the ostomy bag, typically every 3 to 5 days, but if you experience leakage or irritation, you can clean your stoma frequently with mild, scent-free soap and water.
- What drinks to avoid with a stoma?
Avoid consuming fizzy drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, since they can be a source of gases that may irritate the stoma or cause dehydration, reducing the stoma's function. Carbonated beverages cause bloating, so try as much as you can to avoid them or restrict them in your diet.
- What irritates a stoma?
Stoma-irritating substances include harsh soaps and alcohol-based products, as well as adhesives that do not agree with your skin. Leakage or the improper fit of your stoma bag can create irritation around the site.
- Can you eat bananas with a stoma bag?
Yes, bananas can be consumed with the stomal bag. Bananas are low in fibre, and they are also relatively gentle on the gastrointestinal tract; hence, they constitute good foods for patients who are stoma carriers, providing control over output consistency.