Tips for Ostomy Care When You Have a Cold or Flu

Dealing with a cold or coming down with the flu is never fun, but when you're living with an ostomy, self-care becomes even more important. Congestion, fatigue, and a fever can cause you to feel run-down, but they can also affect how you approach ostomy care. Specifically, illness can bring extra challenges to ostomates, such as changes in stoma output and a higher risk of dehydration, so it's important to stay proactive and make a few adjustments. Luckily, with the right strategies and ostomy products, you can stay comfortable and keep your stoma protected during your illness. Here, we'll provide a few essential tips to help you with ostomy care if you come down with a seasonal cold or catch the flu.

In this article, you'll learn:

• How illness can affect your ostomy, including changes in output, increased bag changes, dehydration risk, and skin irritation.
• How cold and flu medications may impact your stoma and bowel habits.
• Practical tips for managing your ostomy while sick, such as resting, staying hydrated, monitoring your stoma, adjusting your diet, and keeping supplies close.
• How to protect your stoma when coughing, sneezing, or dealing with fatigue.
• Signs that mean you should call your doctor include high fever, severe diarrhea or vomiting, blood in your stoma output, or unusual changes in your stoma.
• Ways to stay prepared and comfortable, including ordering ostomy supplies online from Byram Healthcare for easy delivery to your home.

Are You at a Higher Risk of Getting Sick When Living With an Ostomy?

No, people living with an ostomy do not have a higher risk of contracting the common cold or flu than people without an ostomy. The only increased risk they face is regarding infections or complications with the stoma, or other things associated with having an ostomy. Ostomates are also more prone to dehydration due to the changes in the digestive tract, especially those living with an ileostomy. Your doctor or ostomy nurse will provide more information regarding post-op changes, but you don't need to take any precautions outside of those generally recommended for your age group regarding cold and flu prevention.

How Illnesses Affect Your Ostomy

While your ostomy won't increase the chances of you getting sick, getting sick can increase the risk of ostomy-related complications. Coming down with the cold or flu can lead to an increased risk of the following occurrences:

• Changes in Bowel Output: Illness can cause diarrhea, constipation, or unpredictable output patterns.
• Increased Frequency of Bag Changes: Loose stools or more output may require emptying or changing your pouch more often.
• Dehydration Risk: Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to fluid loss, affecting stool consistency and stoma function.
• Skin Irritation: Frequent output or bag changes can cause redness, rashes, or breakdown around the stoma.
• Dietary Changes: Reduced appetite or bland diets may change stool consistency, requiring care adjustments.
• Fatigue and Lower Energy: Being sick can make it harder to maintain your usual ostomy care routine.

Do Cold and Flu Medications Affect Ostomy Care?

Yes, many of the available cold and flu medications can affect ostomy care and may interact with other medicines you're taking. Always talk to your doctor or a pharmacist regarding advice on medication use and any interactions.

Most commonly, medications can lead to changes in bowel habits:

• Decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) can sometimes cause constipation by reducing intestinal fluid secretion.
• Cough syrups or antihistamines may also slow bowel movements, making stool thicker or harder to pass.
• Some cold remedies with sugar alcohols (like sorbitol) can cause loose stools or diarrhea, especially if you have an ileostomy or colostomy.

Medications can also increase the risk of dehydration, which further increases the risk of blockages and stoma irritation. Make sure you talk to a healthcare professional to better understand how cold and flu medications may affect you before you get sick, as this can help ensure that you take swift, safe action at the onset of illnesses.

Tips for Ostomy Care When You Have a Cold or Flu

Being sick is never fun, especially when you're trying to stay on top of your ostomy care. However, there are a few things you can do to help support your body and fight infection during this time. Some of the most important tips for ostomy care when you have a cold or flu include the following:

Try and Rest

One of the best things you can do for your body during illness is to rest. Getting enough sleep can help ease symptoms, but you'll still need to change your pouch regularly to avoid potentially messy situations. If you have the strength, try taking a warm bath or shower, then changing your ostomy bag before taking a nap or going to bed to help ensure your pouching system's adhesive stays strong.

You may also want to sleep in layers to help adjust your body temperature with ease. If you're sweating through the night, consider sleeping on a towel so you can easily freshen up without having to change the sheets.

Stay Hydrated

Another important thing to address is your hydration levels; it's essential to drink enough water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Liquids can help ensure that your body has the strength to fight off infection and keep your stoma output healthy. If you have a sore throat, try drinking herbal or ginger tea. To make hydration easier, keep a big bottle of water next to your bed or on the side table so you don't have to continually get up to refill it. If you start to notice symptoms of dehydration, consider having a sports drink or hydration solution to help replenish lost electrolytes and give your body added strength.

Empty and Change the Bag More Frequently

Illness can increase stoma output or cause changes in consistency, which means you may need to empty or change your ostomy bag more often. Try to be mindful of this and, although it might be challenging, stay on top of your pouch changes. Keeping your pouching system fresh and secure helps prevent leaks and skin irritation, keeping you more comfortable while you recover.

Take Extra Care When Coughing and Sneezing

Coughing or sneezing can put pressure on your stoma and pouch, so try to take some extra precautions when they occur. For example, support your stoma with a hand or a folded cloth if you feel a strong cough or sneeze coming on, as this can help prevent accidental spills and keep your appliance secure. In severe cases, coughing and sneezing may increase your risk of a parastomal hernia, so it's important to be proactive during episodes. If you notice any bulging at the stoma site or other symptoms of a hernia, it's important to contact your doctor.

Adjust Your Diet if Needed

What you eat during illness also matters. Many people tend to find that it's challenging to consume a lot of food, especially food that may upset the digestive system. Since you may be more sensitive to what you eat during illness, remove any irritants from your diet and stick to clear broths, fruits, and easy-to-digest or water-based vegetables (i.e., cucumbers). It's still important to get your fiber intake in, along with lean protein, but listen to your body; you may need to prioritize bland foods for the week, and that's okay.

Monitor Your Stoma Output

Even when you’re resting or bedridden, check your stoma regularly for leaks, unusual changes in output, or skin irritation. This is especially important during illness, as dehydration or diarrhea can affect both your stoma and the surrounding skin. If you notice any signs of an issue, it's better to address them early, as this can help you reduce the risk of further complications.

When to Call Your Doctor If You’re Sick and Have an Ostomy

While most colds and flu can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and careful ostomy care, certain signs mean it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider. If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor:

• High fever or prolonged illness. A persistent temperature above 101°F or a sudden temperature above 103°F may indicate a more serious infection.
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting. These can quickly lead to dehydration, which is especially risky for people with an ostomy.
• Blood in your stoma output. While minor bleeding can sometimes occur, consistent or significant amounts of blood should be evaluated.
• Skin irritation or breakdown around the stoma. Redness, sores, or persistent irritation may require medical attention to prevent infection.
• Unusual changes in stoma appearance or output. Swelling, discoloration, or a sudden decrease or blockage in output can signal complications.
• Inability to stay hydrated or keep food down. Signs of severe dehydration or malnutrition require immediate care.

Conclusion

Being sick with a cold or flu can make ostomy care feel a bit more challenging than usual, but remember that rest and self-care are just as important as managing your ostomy bag. If you need additional help, reach out to a friend or family member. And, if your symptoms worsen or you notice any unusual changes, it's important to contact a healthcare professional.

To make sure you're prepared for everything, order high-quality ostomy products online from Byram Healthcare. We offer convenient delivery directly to your doorstep, so you'll always have what you need, even when you're not feeling your best. Explore Byram’s wide selection of trusted ostomy products today or contact us for more information.