Possible digestive problems
Here are some foods to avoid if you have a stoma and the possible digestive conditions consuming them can lead to.
Food blockages
This occurs when foods are undigested in the bowel and lead o stoma blockage. This affects the functions of your ileostomy. You must visit your stoma care doctor or GP immediately if you are experiencing this. Signs and symptoms of food blockages are:
- Pain
- Feeling unwell
- Swelling of abdomen
- Stoma could swell and appear bigger
- You will feel the decreased wind or it may stop altogether.
- Your stoma output is affected (it will decrease or stop)
You must masticate your food properly before swallowing. You can eat the following things to avoid food blockages:
- Coconuts
- Raw fruit skins
- Popcorns
- Pith, pips, and stones
- Sweetcorn
- Mushrooms
- Celery
- Nuts
- Dried fruits such as currants and raisins
- Bean sprouts and bamboo shoots
Food blockages can be treated in the following ways:
- Take pain relief
- Massage your abdomen
- Go for a walk and move around
- Increase your fluid intake