The stoma is the opening in the abdomen area that serves as the passageway for wastes to exit the body. People resort to stoma when they undergo surgery and procedures that may modify and alter the natural bowel movement. People manage the stoma through ostomy care. Ostomy care is the process of nursing, cleaning, and managing the stoma using an ostomy bag, urine bag, and barrier cream. However, some issues may arise along the way of ostomy care.
Watch out for these common ostomy care problems:
1. Leak
A leak happens when a person uses an ill-fitting ostomy bag or urine bag or the stoma size and shape changes. Leaks may cause skin irritation and soreness, which can be solved using a barrier cream.
Measure the size of your stoma regularly. If there are any changes in size, consult your doctor for size adjustment of your ostomy bag and urine bag.
2. Odour
Odour is due to the gas that is leaking from your stoma. Some food makes a person gaseous, thus increasing the gas in your ostomy pouch. An ill-fitting ostomy bag and urine bag cause these gasses to leak. Odour leaks can also happen when the skin barrier is not sealed properly.
Make sure to use the right-fitting ostomy pouch and seal the skin barrier properly. You can also use deodoriser when you empty your urine bag. Avoid consuming gas-causing food.
3. Skin irritation
Direct skin contact to waste during the leak, improper removal of the pouch, and picking on the skin near the stoma may cause irritation and sores.
You can prevent skin irritation by using barrier cream, gentle adhesive, ostomy belts, and proper fit of the ostomy bag.
4. Bleeding
Bleeding occurs when your stoma wafer nicks the stoma surface. This bleeding should stop quickly. Make sure to keep the wafer still to avoid contact with the stoma. However, if the blood comes from the inside and flows profusely, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Don't be complacent with your ostomy care. Be vigilant and only get the best care.
Coloplast Singapore provides ostomy care supplies in Singapore. Visit Coloplast Singapore today.
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