Glossary D

Glossary D

Descending Colon
Turns and goes down (descends) the left side of the lower abdomen.

Diagnosis
The first definition is 'the recognition of a disease or condition by its outward signs and symptoms', while the second definition is 'the analysis of the underlying physiological/biochemical cause(s) of a disease or condition'.

Diarrhoea - the passing of frequent, watery stools
Diarrhoea is a symptom and can either be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and affects almost everyone from time to time. It usually clears up in a couple of days and is not serious. However it can be serious in babies and the frail and elderly, because of the risk of dehydration.

Diet
By the time food reaches the colon, it has been almost completely digested, so having a colostomy does not mean you have to change what you eat. It is not necessary to follow a special diet (unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor for another specific medical condition). Try, as far as possible, to eat a diet containing a variety of items from all food groups. This will ensure that your body receives all the essential nutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals) it needs. See our Healthy Eating Leaflet for more information.

Digestive system
Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine—also called the colon—rectum, and anus. Inside these hollow organs is a lining called the mucosa. In the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, the mucosa contains tiny glands that produce juices to help digest food. The digestive tract a tubular organ (colon) contains a layer of smooth muscle that helps break down food and move it along the tract. Two 'solid' digestive organs, the liver and the pancreas, produce digestive juices that reach the intestine through small tubes called ducts. The gallbladder stores the liver’s digestive juices until they are needed in the intestine. Parts of the nervous and circulatory systems also play major roles in the digestive system.

Disposal
The ideal solution seems to be to use a one piece closed bag with a flushable liner, the liner can then be flushed down the toilet and replaced with a new liner - however, not all ostomates can use this type of appliance. Therefore, the best way forward is to cut the bottom of the pouch/bag and empty the contents into the toilet. The remaining pouch/bag can then be disposed of. A good tip - is to wrap the remaining bag in clingfilm or newspaper before placing in your refuse bag - this helps to eliminate odour.
If in doubt, call your local council they may run a clinical waste collection service or talk to your stoma nurse who may be able to advise you.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
Diverticula are small pouches sticking out of the side of the large intestine (colon).
If diverticula are present in your colon, the condition is known as diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis is a very common condition with 50% of people being affected by the condition by the age of 50, and 70% by the age of 80.

Approximately 75% of people with diverticulosis will not experience any symptoms of diverticulosis. This 'symptom free' form of the condition is sometimes known as asymptomatic diverticulosis.

The remaining 25% of people who do experience symptoms are said to have diverticular disease.

Drainable pouch/bag
This type of pouch is more suitable for coping with a liquid output. It does not require changing as often as a closed pouch, as a result fewer pouches are used. Drainable pouches/bags are useful if you have an upset stomach which results in loose stools.This pouch is easily emptied prior to disposal. Careful cleaning of the outlet is required, the clip or fastening can be uncomfortable.