What could be the cause of stoma pain?

a stoma, whether temporary or permanent, can be very painful, and it can be accompanied by pain and complications that disrupt the daily life of a person with a stoma . Most pain around the stoma is caused by irritation from leakage of urine or feces , so it is particularly important to protect the skin around the stoma . Irritation to the skin around the stoma depends on diet and care habits . Skin irritation can cause pain if not cared for properly . This article will introduce you to the causes of stoma pain and suggestions for nursing care. Please come and take a look at it with me!

Why is there sudden pain around the stoma?

If you experience pain around your stoma, you need to understand the cause of your stoma pain to help identify the problem and address it before it causes too much pain and discomfort. Occasionally most people with a stoma experience problems such as leakage and sore skin, granulomas, stoma retraction, constipation, hernia or stoma prolapse. Pain indicates a problem, and here are some of the most common ostomy complications that can cause pain. If you experience any of these conditions, it is best to speak to your ostomy therapist for support and advice.

What conditions can cause stoma pain and how to improve?

①Leakage : This is one of the most common complications . Stoma leakage is often caused by improper use of the accessories of the stoma , which causes the fecal water to leak into the skin around the stoma, causing the surrounding skin to become red, eroded, and punctured. Pain, itching and other symptoms. In order to reduce the occurrence of leakage, it is necessary to choose suitable stoma products according to the shape of the stoma. Longterm medical skin protective power and Longterm medical skin protective spray can both protect and improve the stoma skin. Of course, the size of the stoma The measurement of the stoma is also very important. There should be no gaps around the stoma. If there are gaps, Longterm medical skin protective paste can be used to fill the gaps to reduce the possibility of leakage.

② Retracted stoma and stricture: A retracted stoma occurs when the stoma is below the level of the skin. It can occur during a urostomy, ileostomy, or colostomy. The cause is usually due to difficulty forming the stoma, body weight, and the shape of the abdomen. A retracted stoma can cause some leakage problems and will require careful evaluation by your stoma nurse to determine which stoma bag is best for you. Often longterm medical convex products can be used , stoma stenosis causes the stoma to become very tight and small. The exudate from the stoma will become ribbon-like or even fluid. At this point, the stoma nurse can help you with the dilation , and may also recommend that you take easily digestible food to keep the output soft and less painful .

③ Parastomal hernia: Parastomal hernia refers to the protrusion of the intestinal ring through the weakened abdominal muscles behind the stoma. You can usually tell if a hernia is present by a noticeable bump or lump that develops behind or around the stoma. As the hernia develops and grows, it can cause the stoma to retract, which can cause problems with adhesion of the stoma bag. If your hernia is large, you may experience a dull pain or a dragging sensation, especially after an ostomy activity or towards the end of the day. Contact your stoma nurse to check your stoma. Secondly, the use of longterm medical ostomy belt can reduce abdominal pressure, especially when coughing and sneezing, which is currently the most important way to prevent ostomy hernia .

④ Constipation: If you have a colostomy, constipation may be a problem. It can cause abdominal cramps, and if you are constipated, you will pass very hard and dry stools, which can be very uncomfortable. It is recommended that you eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to help with constipation. Try increasing the amount of fiber that helps soften stools, choosing whole-grain breads , whole-grain cereals, and more fruits and vegetables. Constipation can also be caused by not drinking enough fluids, try to drink 6-8 glasses a day. Medication can also be the cause of constipation , so check any pain relievers or antidepressants you may be taking. If your constipation persists for more than 2-3 days without any signs of improvement, talk to your ostomy nurse or GP.

Regarding the pain caused by stoma complications, you don't need to be too nervous. By doing the above prevention methods in advance, you can prevent stoma pain to the greatest extent possible .

For more information on Innomed® ostomy pouch refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly.

At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: October 9, 2022