The thought of a stoma blockage can be pretty frightening if you have an ostomy. This blockage is also referred to as bowel obstruction, which prevents passing out of all or a significant amount of the stool. It usually happens due to inflammation, food blockage, twisting of intestines, or the development of scar tissues.
This blockage can result in some specific symptoms. The good news is that you can deal with most of them at home. In this article, we will discuss how to check for blockage symptoms and their treatment.
How to know if the stoma is blocked
The most prominent sign of a stoma blockage is the slowing down or stopping of the stomal output. There are two types of stoma blockages: partial blockage and complete blockage. A partial blockage is when the stoma only produces strong-smelling liquid or mucus. A complete blockage, on the other hand, produces nothing at all.
A blockage may remain persistent for several days if you have a colostomy. Initially, you will feel constipated. So, you might not even have the idea that you have a blockage. A blockage can happen fairly quickly and there might not be any constipation in case of an ileostomy. Since an ileostomy produces stools throughout the day, seeing it quiet for a few hours can be quite alarming.
A few signs of stoma blockage include are the following.
· Nausea
· Swollen abdomen
· Swelling or change of color in the stoma itself
· Reduced urine output
· Dry mouth
· Vomiting
How to deal with a blockage at home
If you think you have a stoma blockage, the first thing you should do is speak to your ostomy care nurse or healthcare provider to get instructions on what to do. The good thing is that you can treat even some of the severe blockage issues at home.
· First and foremost, increase your fluid intake. Water and hot tea can help significantly.
· You can gently massage around the stoma to work the blockage to its way out.
· Having a hot bath or applying a heated pad can help relax abdominal muscles, promoting bowel movement.
· If the stoma seems unusually swollen, you may need to check whether its hole has to be cut a bit larger.
· You can try lying down and lift your knees to your chest. You will then have to roll them gently from side to side.
· If you have a colostomy, your healthcare provider may recommend you some laxatives to promote bowel movement.
· Make sure to walk around quite a bit more to promote digestion and reduce blockage.
If you have a stoma blockage, you may have to reduce what you eat. However, you should increase your fluid intake.
Remember, if home remedies fail to produce results, you must consult with a healthcare provider or an ostomy care nurse. You can speak to your doctor for a medical appointment. Having a stoma blockage is not just irritating but also life-threatening in some cases. So getting it treated promptly is a must.
