Ileostomy patients ask about how to slow down the stomal output. They ask this question to know how to reduce the amount of output, slow down the transit time, or thicken the stool.

Here are some reasons and treatment options to help you cover all bases.

• If your stoma has started producing an increased amount of stool, your ostomy care nurse may get a stool culture and rule out Clostridium difficile.
• Some people drink a lot of fluids, including hypertonic and hypotonic fluids. Contrary to popular notion, drinking plenty of water is not an ideal choice to hydrate an ileostomy. The most appropriate way is to drink fluids with electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Make sure that they are low in sugar. Diluting sports drinks with water to reduce sugar concentration can also help.
• Some people drink water with meals. Some have a habit to guzzle their drinks. It is best to drink water after meals. And, make sure to sip your fluids all day long. That will help improve the absorption of fluids and nutrients.
• The stomal output tends to increase when you eat foods that contain sorbitol. This ingredient is usually present in candies and medications. You can ask your doctor about different medicines.
• Some medications can help slow down the output. Instead of randomly picking any of those without knowing their implications, be sure to speak to your doctor first.
• Using soluble fiber additives can help slow down the output. These additives also come in biscuit form.
• You may experience diarrhea if you take medications that contain magnesium. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.

High output: Dealing with dehydration and other concerns

Increased stomal output puts a person at the risk of dehydration and electrolyte disorders. Watching for the following symptoms can help check if you experience dehydration.

• Feeling weakness
• Mouth dryness
• Extreme thirst
• Decreased urine output
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal cramping or nausea
• Headache or feeling light-headed

You must seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.

You may be suffering from short bowel syndrome if your output is more than 1200 mL in 24 hours. It usually happens if you have had several resections of the small intestine. The shortened length of the bowel will create problems with food digestion and absorption. If you think you might have this condition, speak to your doctor immediately.

Slowing stomal output to ease pouch changes

If you want to slow down the stomal output only to ease the pouch changing process, you can eat peanut butter 30 minutes before the task. You can also take an Imodium® A-D 30-60 minutes before changing your ostomy pouch, but be sure to speak to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. Foods that you can eat to thicken your stool are the following.

• Boiled rice or noodles
• Applesauce
• Tapioca pudding
• Peeled potatoes
• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Creamy peanut butter

If you have to use some desperate measures to slow down the stomal output, you can put some ice in a bag and a washcloth and hold it over your stoma for a few minutes.