Constipation and flatulence management for stoma patients.

Abstract

The ostomate (person with a stoma) has many issues to overcome when coming to terms with their new stoma. Some of the problems that can be associated with a colostomy are constipation and flatus. The ileostomate may also be troubled with flatulence. Causal factors for flatus may be ingested air or gut bacteria. Constipation may be a result of many factors, including diet and medication. The community nurse is in an ideal position to assist this patient group and this article offers a number of potential treatments or advice that the community nurse can provide for the ostomate. Many of the tips provided in this article are simple but may be potentially effective.