Stoma blockages are a common issue for people living with stomas. They can be concerning, especially if they are painful. In this post, we will run through the key facts that you need to know so you can spot and treat a stoma blockage.
Click below to skip directly to a section:
- What is a stoma blockage?
- What causes a stoma blockage?
- Stoma blockage symptoms
- How long can a stoma blockage last?
- How to get rid of a stoma blockage
- Is a stoma blockage an emergency?
- Stoma blockage treatment
- How to prevent stoma blockages
What is a stoma blockage?
A stoma blockage happens when poo cannot exit your stoma, normally due to a piece of undigested food getting lodged in or near your stoma. Most blockages occur just below the stoma. These can often be treated at home and can happen to someone with a colostomy or ileostomy.
A stoma blockage can, if persistent or severe, lead to a partial or complete bowel obstruction, a different clinical condition, though these terms are often used interchangeably. Bowel obstructions occur within the large or small intestine, and they can happen to people with or without a stoma. It occurs when poo is stopped from travelling through the bowels properly. In a partial blockage, a small amount of output gets past the obstruction and results in a loose, mucus-like stool. On the other hand, in a complete bowel obstruction, there will be no output at all.
If you think you have a stoma blockage, continue reading for our advice. If you think you have a bowel obstruction, seek immediate medical attention.
What causes a stoma blockage?
Poorly digested food is the main cause of stoma blockages and bowel obstructions. This may be because the food hasn’t been chewed properly before being swallowed. Pieces of food can then get stuck in the bowel, preventing it from functioning as it should.
Also, people with inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis are at a higher risk of obstructions because these can cause the bowel to become narrower. Similarly, if you have a parastomal hernia, this can cause strangulation of the bowel.
People who have recently had surgery are also more likely to experience bowel obstruction due to adhesions or strictures (scar tissue). For this reason, people who have recently undergone stoma reversal are also vulnerable to bowel obstructions.
Stoma blockage symptoms
But how do you know if your stoma is blocked? The main symptom to keep an eye out for is your stoma output slowing down or stopping completely. You know your stoma best, so you should know what ‘normal’ looks like for you.
If you have a colostomy, the blockage may happen over a few days and you may notice symptoms of constipation at first. Because ileostomies are more active, blockages occur faster and are more noticeable. Your output may have significantly decreased or you might not have to drain your stoma bag as often.
You may also experience stomach ache, cramping, bloating or swelling around your stoma. Nausea and vomiting are side effects of a bowel obstruction.
How long can a stoma blockage last?
If your stoma is inactive for over 12 hours, you should urgently contact your stoma care nurse, GP or NHS 111.
How to get rid of a stoma blockage
You can follow these steps to try and clear your stoma blockage at home:
- If it’s not too painful, take a short walk; this helps to increase blood flow and movement of the bowel muscles.
- Gently massage around your stoma and abdomen as this could dislodge the blockage.
- A heat pad or hot bath may help your abdominal muscles to relax.
- Drink plenty of fluids so that you don’t become dehydrated.
- If your stoma is swollen, you may need to cut the hole of your stoma bag slightly larger.
Is a stoma blockage an emergency?
You should contact NHS 111 if these steps do not work. They will assess your symptoms and tell you what your next steps should be. If your symptoms are severe, you may need medical attention – for example, if you have severe abdominal pain that is getting worse, your stoma has been inactive for 12 hours, or you are becoming dehydrated (this could be due to vomiting).
In serious cases, untreated obstructions can result in a ruptured bowel, so if you suspect you have a bowel obstruction, seek urgent medical attention. You may be admitted to hospital where you may have an intravenous line inserted into a vein to replace lost fluids or administer pain medication. They will run a diagnostic test to find out what is causing the obstruction and depending on the results, may insert a tube into your intestine to try and relieve the blockage. Sometimes, bowel obstructions require surgery.
Read more about what to do if you have a bowel obstruction here
How to prevent stoma blockages
As we have mentioned, undigested food is the most common cause of stoma blockages and bowel obstructions. For this reason, you should take care to chew thoroughly and break your food down into small pieces when eating. Take it slowly to give your body enough time to digest and drink plenty of fluids.
You should also be mindful of food that is more difficult for your gut to digest such as fruit or vegetable skins, nuts, seeds and high-fibre foods. Ask for advice from your stoma nurse in regards to when you can safely introduce certain foods back into your diet following stoma surgery. Everyone’s stoma is different, so it’s a good idea to keep a note of what you eat so that if you do encounter any stoma problems like a blockage, you can keep track of what may have caused it. Find out more: Foods to eat with a stoma
Other reading and resources
Further information – Colostomy UK
Bowel obstructions and how to know if you have one – Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association
Stoma problems – StoCare
Although all our articles are written alongside qualified medical professionals, this information is for guidance only and does not replace advice given by your healthcare advisors.
