Tips for Preventing Blockages in an Ileostomy and Colostomy

If you have a colostomy or ileostomy bag you do not want a blockage. It's normal for your intestine to have periods of activity and inactivity, but if your stoma is inactive for approximately 4 to 6 hours in addition to cramps/pain/nausea, you may have a blockage (also known as an obstruction) in your intestine.  It is important to know what foods can cause a blockage in an ileostomy and what you can do if you have one now.

Steps to prevent a blockage in your ostomy

• Chew food thoroughly
• Avoid swallowing a piece of gristle of meat
• If trying a new food, start with a small taste to measure how your body responds
• Eat smaller quantities more often rather than a few large meals
• Stay hydrated

Foods that can cause a blockage

• Cabbage
• Kale, spinach, char, etc (greens)
• Celery
• Pinapple
• Nuts
• Coconut 
• Corn

If you do experience an intestinal blockage here are a few things to try to get things moving along!

• Try a relaxing warm bath
• Change body position
• Don't take a laxative
• Note any stomal swelling and enlarge the wafer stoma opening accordingly
• Finally, call your WOC nurse or doctor for assistance with an intestinal blockage!