Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) and Their Impact on Stoma Care
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Time to read 6 min
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. For some individuals, these conditions may lead to the need for a stoma.
In this blog, we will explore what IBDs are, their connection to stomas, and how to manage life with a stoma, including the importance of ostomy support garments.
💡 Did you know
In the United States, between 2.4 and 3.1 million people are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This number varies among different groups of people.
As more people learn about IBD, it’s important to find effective ways to manage and support those who have it.
What Are Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)?
IBDs are characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common types are:
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
This chronic condition causes inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Common symptoms of Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
Patients often experience periods known as flare-ups, where symptoms can worsen significantly, impacting daily life and routines. During these flare-ups, individuals may find it difficult to participate in social activities or even perform regular tasks due to discomfort.
Managing Crohn's disease often involves a combination of medications, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical intervention. As awareness of IBD grows, it’s essential for those affected to seek the right support and resources to navigate their condition effectively.
Crohn's Disease:
- Can affect the entire GI tract, commonly impacts the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.
- Inflammation often appears in patches, with healthy tissue in between affected areas.
- Nutritional deficiencies are common due to malabsorption, especially with essential vitamins and minerals.
Ulcerative Colitis:
- Limited to the colon and rectum, with inflammation typically starting in the rectum and spreading upward.
- Inflammation is continuous, not patchy, affecting the entire area it reaches.
- Can lead to complications like toxic megacolon, a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is another form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon and rectum .
This condition leads to inflammation and the formation of ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, which can cause significant discomfort and disruption. Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, urgent bowel movements, and weight loss.
While the symptoms are similar to those of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis tends to be more focused on bowel-related issues. Many individuals with ulcerative colitis experience flare-ups that can greatly affect their quality of life.
Effective management often includes medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine. Understanding ulcerative colitis as part of the broader spectrum of IBD is crucial for individuals seeking effective treatment and support.
Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn's Disease
The Role of Stomas in IBD Management
A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body, bypassing the damaged parts of the intestines. For people with IBDs like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, a stoma can be an important part of managing the condition when other treatments aren’t providing enough relief. By diverting waste away from the inflamed or damaged sections of the intestines, a stoma helps reduce irritation, inflammation, and pressure on these areas, allowing the body to heal.
In cases of severe Crohn’s disease, a stoma can prevent complications such as abscesses, bowel obstructions, or fistulas that may occur in severely inflamed areas. For those with ulcerative colitis, where inflammation is often limited to the colon and rectum, a stoma can relieve symptoms like severe cramping, bloody stools, and urgent bowel movements. A stoma, by bypassing these affected areas, can effectively reduce or even eliminate these symptoms, giving people with IBD a chance for relief when medications and other therapies fall short.
Making the decision to undergo stoma surgery can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to have questions about the lifestyle changes involved. However, many people find that living with a stoma offers real relief and significantly improves their daily life. With a stoma, people with IBD are often able to enjoy more freedom, stability, and fewer symptoms, which helps them regain control over their health and quality of life.
There are different types of stomas based on the needs of each individual. An ileostomy, for instance, diverts waste from the small intestine, making it a common option for Crohn’s patients with extensive colon damage. A colostomy connects the stoma to the colon, which can be helpful for those with ulcerative colitis who need to bypass the rectum and lower colon. Depending on the case, a stoma may be temporary to allow for healing or permanent for long-term symptom management.
Learning to live with a stoma does involve some adjustments, but with guidance from healthcare professionals, support from loved ones, and tools like ostomy support garments, many people develop routines that work well for them. A stoma can be a powerful tool for people with IBD to manage their condition and lead a more active, fulfilling life.
The Impact of IBDs on Stoma Care
For individuals with a stoma, certain IBD-related factors can influence daily stoma management, but with the right support, these challenges are manageable.
Caring for Peristomal Skin
People with IBD often experience changes in their stoma output, particularly during flare-ups.
For example, frequent or loose output can irritate the skin around the stoma. While this might sound daunting, solutions are within reach.
💡 Pro Tip : Use barrier creams or skin protectants to shield the skin and consider extended-wear appliances designed for high-output scenarios. These small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort and confidence.
Managing Changes in Stoma Size
IBD flare-ups can lead to abdominal swelling or weight fluctuations, which may temporarily change the size or shape of the stoma.
This can make finding the right appliance fit a bit trickier—but not impossible!
💡 Stay Flexible : Measure your stoma regularly, especially during flare-ups, to ensure your appliance fits snugly. Products like flexible barrier rings or ostomy belts can provide extra security when you need it most.
Preventing Hernias
Abdominal surgeries and inflammation linked to IBD may increase the risk of developing a parastomal hernia.
However, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your abdominal wall.
💡 Support Your Core: Building on Thompson and Trainor's research, early intervention with light compression support garments post-surgery, combined with lifting advice and abdominal exercises, has been shown to reduce parastomal hernia rates and improve quality of life for stoma patients (North, 2014).
Tackling Appliance Leaks
Frequent or unpredictable output, common during IBD flare-ups, may sometimes cause leaks or adhesion issues with your appliance.
While this can feel frustrating, there are solutions to stay one step ahead.
💡 Be Prepared : Keep high-output appliances and extra supplies on hand for peace of mind. Many ostomy products are designed specifically to handle these situations.
Your Diet and Stoma Output
Adjusting your diet is often part of managing IBD, and this can also affect stoma care.
Certain foods may increase output or the risk of blockages, but a mindful approach to eating can help keep things running smoothly.
💡 Keep It Simple : Maintain a food diary to track how different foods affect your stoma and work with a dietitian for personalized advice. Over time, you’ll find what works best for your body.
Emotional Resilience and Support
Living with IBD and a stoma can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Support groups, healthcare professionals, and modern stoma care tools can help you manage your condition while staying positive and empowered.
💡 Build Your Network : Connecting with others who understand your journey can provide encouragement, new ideas, and even a few laughs.
A Life of Confidence and Freedom
Managing an IBD alongside a stoma may come with challenges, but it also offers the opportunity for greater comfort, symptom relief, and a renewed sense of control. Advances in stoma care products and techniques make it easier to navigate daily life with IBD while reducing discomfort and promoting healing.
By working closely with your healthcare team and exploring solutions tailored to your needs, you can successfully manage both your stoma and IBD.
Living with IBD and a stoma doesn’t mean giving up on the things you love. Whether it’s enjoying family gatherings, exploring new destinations, or rediscovering hobbies, life with IBD can still be full of joy and accomplishment. Every step you take toward managing your condition brings you closer to the freedom to live life on your terms.
By prioritizing your health and embracing care strategies that address IBD and stoma needs, you’re choosing resilience and empowerment. Let each step forward be a testament to your strength and a reminder that life with IBD can be vibrant and fulfilling.
Further Readings
→ 7-Day Meal Plan for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
References:
North, J. (2014). Early intervention, parastomal hernia and quality of life: a research study. British Journal of Nursing, 23(Sup5), pp.S14–S18. doi:https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2014.23.sup5.s14.