An ostomy bag that's too heavy with output can loosen that seal, which may cause odor and leakage. Talk to your doctor or a WOCN (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse) regarding your personal changing and emptying times.
Use Deodorizing Products.
You can also try ostomy filters that attach to the pouch and reduce gas and odors. Some ostomy pouches come with filters already in the appliance. You can also carry a deodorant spray. If you have to empty your pouch in a public restroom, the spray can mask any odor.
Very spicy foods and some vitamin and mineral supplements also cause odours. Try cranberry juice, buttermilk, yogurt, or parsley to help reduce odours. You also can use odour-proof ostomy bags or special deodorants for the bags.
What to do when you experience ballooning. If ballooning does occur, you can release the gas from the pouch in the privacy of a toilet, if you use an open bag or use a two-piece system. Changing the pouch if the filter blocks can also help prevent ballooning.
Avoid drinking with your meal as this can cause you to swallow excess air. Eating regular meals will reduce the build-up of wind. Do not chew chewing gum and avoid smoking, as both these activities increase the amount of air we ingest.
A person with an ileostomy will need to empty the pouch about five or six times in a 24-hour period. If you have a colostomy, you will need to empty the pouch two or three times in a 24-hour period.
Answer: The production of gas through a stoma depends on two major factors: swallowed air and gas formed by the bacteria in the colon. 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.
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.
You may notice more odor when you empty your pouch after you eat certain foods. Some of these foods are onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, fish, certain cheeses, eggs, baked beans, Brussels sprouts, and alcohol.
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.
Wash your hands before and after caring for your stoma. The best way to clean the skin around your stoma is to use warm water and a washcloth, or soft paper towels. The use of gauze or gloves is not needed.
Showering and bathing is part of everyone's daily routine and should be still enjoyed even if you have a stoma. You may feel concerned about getting your stoma or skin wet, but normal exposure to water and air will not harm your stoma in any way.
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.
Use a Shower Shield
It is typically a plastic or waterproof cover that is placed over the pouch to keep it dry and prevent any water from getting inside. Ostomy shower shields may have an opening or a window that allows the stoma to be exposed and function normally while the pouch remains protected.
When the large bowel has been removed the small bowel must adapt to absorb more fluid, which it is not as effective at doing (this will improve over time). This means output from your stoma can increase.
Eating a heavy meal before bedtime will make your stoma more active through the night, resulting in you needing to get up and drain or change your stoma bag more often than usual (depending on which type of bag you use).
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.
Drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses (about 2 liters) of liquids throughout the day. Drink sports drinks (such as Gatorade or Powerade) and oral rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte®), if you can. These drinks will help keep you from becoming dehydrated.
The low fibre versions are better tolerated so try white bread, breakfast cereals like rice krispies or cornflakes, white rice/pasta, and avoid skins on potatoes. These provide protein, vitamins and minerals which is essential for health and repair of body tissues.
A good colostomy diet during the first few weeks after surgery may include yogurt (with live and active cultures). However, not all dairy produce will be allowed. Other foods that colostomy patients tolerate well are bananas, tapioca, sticky white rice, and white toast.