Problems That Might Arise With A Stoma

Stoma problems care common, but they can affect the quality of life significantly. So, instead of ignoring and letting those problems to leave an unpleasant impact on your ostomy care regimen, you will want to contact your doctor or ostomy care nurse. An ostomy care nurse is generally your first point of contact.

Common problems with a stoma

Below we will discuss the common problems that can occur with your stoma. This information should help you prevent these issues.

Leakage

The number one concern for individuals with an ostomy is leakage, which not only compromises the seal between the ostomy pouch and peristomal skin but also contributes to a number of skin problems that can make ostomy care every more difficult. The combination of leakage and skin problems initiates a vicious cycle that worsens with every passing day.

The best way to prevent this issue is to make sure that there is a tighter seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin. The seal should not allow the stomal output to come in contact with the peristomal skin in any case. Using the right ostomy pouch may be the most necessary thing to consider, especially when a standard skin barrier fails to adhere to the peristomal skin. If your skin is irritated, you may want to use skin products and other accessories to make the peristomal skin fit enough to respond to a skin barrier.

Pouch ballooning

Ballooning occurs due to the buildup of gas inside the ostomy pouch. It happens when the pouch filter becomes wet due to contact with the stomal output. This problem results in the pouch forming a noticeable bulge under the clothes.

To address the problem of ballooning, you will need to make sure that your pouch filter is clean and functioning. You will also need to pay attention to your diet. For instance, you may not want to eat cabbage, peas, and beans if you have a gas problem. While eating your foods, it will be a bad idea to drink plenty of water, as it can result in your swallowing a lot of air, which can cause gas.

Skin soreness

Skin soreness can occur due to many reasons. In some cases, skin soreness may be due to a visible problem. In some cases, however, the problem may not seem to have any reason. To know the underlying cause of the problem in this regard, you may want to talk to your doctor or ostomy care nurse.

An ill-fitting stoma bag is the foremost reason that can result in skin soreness. A too-wide opening of the ostomy appliance can result in a part of the peristomal skin become exposed to the stomal output. It can result in skin problems. While creating an opening in the skin barrier, make sure that it fits the shape and size of your stoma.

In some cases, your peristomal skin might become sensitive to a particular ostomy product or accessory. You will want to discuss it with your ostomy care nurse to understand what ostomy products are right for you.