How Do You Take Care of an Ostomy At Home?
Caring for an Ostomy at home may get quite challenging. An Ostomy is a medical device installed in an individual’s abdomen replacing the primary functions generally handled by the anus or the genitals to eradicate waste from the body. In short, if a person is unable to urinate, they perhaps have an ostomy installed. It allows them to defecate or urinate. If you have such a patient at home, it is imperative to take special measures to care for the ostomy and help the patient adjust well to living with it.
Why A Person May Get An Ostomy?
Some of the most common reasons as to why an individual may get an Ostomy is that they incur some injury that has eventually resulted in the removal of their colon or genitals. It is possible for the colon or genitals to cease to function normally and eventually, ostomy supplies must be installed.
How Does An Ostomy Work?
An Ostomy is generally a type of pouch that is surgically attached to the patient’s body to allow them to pass out the fluids and other wastes from the body. The pouch is located inside the body with a tube outside being attached to the right part of the anatomy allowing the ostomy to be cleaned when it is full.
There is no muscle around the stoma. So, the patient cannot control when gas or waste leaves the body. The waste automatically passes through the stoma into the pouch around the stoma. This plastic bag blocks the smell of the waste. However, it is very much visible on the body.
Anyone can learn to take care of the Ostomy. Great care can make living with Ostomy easier. It can aid keep a viable seal between the pouch and the skin. It prevents the skin from getting irritated.
How to Take Care of An Ostomy Patient At Home?
If the skin under the pouch is itchy, irritated, or red, it is crucial to treat the skin. Following the vital steps below can help:
- Gently remove the pouch
- Clean the skin under the pouch with water
- Dry the skin
- Use Ostomy powder on the skin. Ensure to wipe off the extra powder
- Replace or reattach the pouch
- If you still feel irritated, itchy, red skin, get in touch with your Ostomy nurse
- Follow all the vital instructions given by the Ostomy nurse
- Empty and replace the pouch as recommended by the nurse
Ensure to take medicines properly. Consume them as prescribed. Immediately call your physician in case you are having issues with your medication. Your physician can guide you better on the specific medication.
Follow-up care is a vital aspect of your safety and treatment. Be certain to opt for the best Ostomy supplies at komforthealth.ca and visit your physician regularly. It is best to know your test results and keep a list of prescribed medications.