Blue / purple bag syndrome is the discoloration in the urinary pouching system or drainage bag / bottle to a blue or purple colour.
The cause?
There is some evidence to suggest bacterial growth and constipation, but the evidence is limiting. If you are experiencing reoccurring urinary tract infections and notice your pouch has a blue or purple tinge, you should assess for blue/purple bag syndrome.
Management
If you have discolouration of the pouching system or the night drainage system, monitoring for signs of urinary tract infection is essential.
Signs of Urinary Tract Infection
Dark, cloudy urine.
Strong-smelling urine.
Back pain (where your kidneys are located)
Fever.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
To prevent urinary tract infections and treat the discolouration:
Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Best to sip and not gulp.
Cleaning of the night drainage system using manufacturer cleansing agents or a 1:3 white vinegar to water solution every morning.
Increase the frequency of pouch changes and night drainage bags/bottles.
Discuss with your stoma nurse/NP/GP about infection.
Assess and manage any constipation.
Maintaining acidic urine with high doses of Vitamin C can decrease bacteria accumulation – consult GP/NP first to rule out interactions with other medications.
