Air from the stoma causes the bag to expand and detach from the skin (ballooning) Ballooning occurs when air from the stoma inflates the bag and cannot escape through the filter. The resulting air pressure can cause the adhesive to detach from the skin.
If you find that you still have leaks, despite regularly measuring your stoma, you could consider other products. Mouldable products may be a good option as its unique technology moves with your stoma for a snug a and secure fit.
Use a bag with a filter
Using a bag with a filter can significantly reduce your ostomy bag from ballooning. These will eliminate gas from your bag automatically and without any scent.
Gas production is normal and amounts will vary depending on types of foods eaten, how often food is eaten, eating habits and the motility of the bowel. Managing gas production and the release of gas from the pouch is achieved through multiple techniques. Swallowed air can result in gas production through a stoma.
What Causes Ostomy Pouch Ballooning? Accumulation of gas in the ostomy pouch occurs due to two main factors. First is the swallowed air and second is the gas formed by the bacteria in the colon (which depends on individual's eating habits and the motility of the bowel). Certain foods are known to increase gas.
Many people enjoy leaving their skin uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes after taking their pouching system off. This is called a skin break. Taking a skin break can help with irritation or keep it from happening. You can decide if you want to take a skin break.
If the skin is too moist then this can also cause stoma bag leakages. Leaks can also occur if the stoma protrusion has altered. It may mean you need to have an alternative product to help prevent leaks such as a convex product. Please note: You must seek a Stoma Care Nurse assessment before using a convex product.
Burping your stoma bag
“Burping” your bag can help let the gas out. This allows the gas smell to escape the bag and is best done in the bathroom. If you use a two-piece system, this can easily be done by gently lifting the edge of your pouch away the flange which can help let the gas escape.
Skin Problems
If the skin around the stoma does not appear to be similar to the skin on rest of your abdomen, it is likely that you have a skin issue that needs to be addressed. The skin barrier should protect your skin. If the skin is irritated (red, moist, or sore to the touch), the pouch seal can fail and leakage.
If you are experiencing poor adhesion when applying the adhesive, it is often due to one of three reasons: 1) Un-removed residues from previous ostomy barriers creating an uneven skin surface. 2) Hair growth around the stoma resulting in the barrier sticking to the hairs instead of the skin.
You can bathe and shower as normal with your stoma and, unless you have been specifically advised otherwise, you can do so with the stoma bag on or off. It won't fall off in the water if you choose to keep it on and if you bathe with the stoma bag off, soap rinsing over the stoma isn't a problem.
If you have an ileostomy
Especially right after surgery, you may lose some fluid due to the relatively large amount of stool (750-1300 ml). Thus it's recommended that you drink at least 2 litres of water per day plus the equivalent of what you lose via the stool.
Most people with stomas may have to go through a stoma infection. However, it is a possibility that anyone with a stoma should know about it. The first sign of a stoma infection may be a pus-like discharge, unusual swelling, increasing redness, or color changes.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter had a stoma bag, which she refers to as Audrey, fitted last October after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. The operation diverts one end of the colon, which is part of the bowel, through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma.
It's always a good idea to empty or change your stoma bag before you go to bed as it will help to prevent your bag from filling up too much overnight and disturbing your sleep. A full stoma bag is always at risk of leaking and that's not something you want to experience during the night.
1. Use the palm of your hand to apply gentle pressure to the stoma, very gently pushing it back into its usual position. 2. Another alternative is to apply a cold compress to the stoma with your pouch on.
Measure your stoma to get the right size for your skin barrier. Getting the right size can make all the difference in how your ostomy appliance fits. A skin barrier that doesn't provide a snug fit may allow stomal output to seep under or around it, which results in leakage.
Foods that are reported to help thicken the stoma output include apple sauce, bananas, buttermilk, cheese, marshmallows, jelly babies, (boiled) milk, noodles, smooth creamy peanut butter, rice, tapioca pudding, toast, potatoes and yoghurt.
Take steps to reduce the chance of leaks
Try not to allow your bag to get too full in the night before emptying. In the early days after your surgery, it may help to set an alarm or two during the night to prompt you to get up and empty your bag. Keep a change of pyjamas, stoma supplies and spare bed sheets on hand.
Why do stoma bags leak? Stoma bag leaks can occur for a variety of reasons. One reason could be that the hole in your stoma bag, which should be a snug fit, is too large. If you suspect that this may be causing your leaks, you should re-measure your stoma using a measuring guide.
Undergarments and wraps with a built-in pocket to hold your pouch secure, that also helps with concealing your pouch under your clothing. You can also try slip shorts or other traditional shapewear that may provide an additional feeling of security.