Your stoma bag keeps blowing up (ballooning) because gas from your digestive system gets trapped, usually when the filter gets blocked by output or moisture, preventing it from escaping. Common causes include swallowing air (from chewing gum, straws, or large meals), certain gas-producing foods (beans, cabbage, fizzy drinks), and filter issues, but changing bags more often, managing your diet, or trying a two-piece system can help release the pressure.
How to prevent ballooning
Other foods which may cause wind include: beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Additionally, artificial sweeteners and sugar-free foods that contain sorbitol. Not all the foods listed above affect all ostomates.
What causes stoma bag ballooning? Stoma bag ballooning occurs when your stoma bag blows up with gas/wind. It is usually caused by the filter on your stoma bag becoming wet or blocked from stoma output which then stops it from working effectively. This can lead to the stoma bag to come away from your body.
Ballooning occurs when gas expelled through the colon collects inside the bag causing it to inflate. Most bags have a filter which allows this gas to escape. Occasionally the filter will block and the bag needs to be changed. If this happens to you regularly, it may be worth trying a different bag.
Aim: Anecdotally, many ostomates believe that eating marshmallows can reduce ileostomy effluent. There is a plausible mechanism for this, as the gelatine contained in marshmallows may thicken small bowel fluid, but there is currently no evidence that this is effective.
What are the Most Common Stoma Complications?
Very rarely, a prolapsed stoma can cause serious complications like blocking your intestine (obstructed bowel). Go to the emergency room if you have symptoms like: Abdominal pain, especially sharp pains that come and go. Bleeding from your stoma.
Ileostomy and colostomy bag blowouts are one of the dreaded issues many ostomates face. This is because gases from fecal output can build up and fill a pouch quite quickly.
Excessive wind can also cause 'stoma ballooning', where the pouch inflates. To avoid this, you can either change to a pouch with a double filter or obtain extra filters from Fittleworth free of charge.
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.
Also, it can be helpful to avoid gas-producing foods for about 24 hours before attending an event. If you encounter ostomy ballooning, make sure your pouch is properly sealed afterward. Patients should talk with their doctor if they continue to have issues with ostomy ballooning.
Some individuals prefer to wear belts during sleep because of frequent position changes and pouch movement. Not all pouching systems will accommodate a belt. If a belt is required for your care, it may limit the type of pouching system that you can use.
Stoma pancaking is usually caused by a lack of airflow into the pouch which causes a vacuum so the inner layers stick together and go flat (like a pancake – hence the name). This could be because your stoma bag filter is working too well and causing all of the air to leave the bag.
A prolapsed stoma occurs when the stoma becomes longer than normal If your stoma has prolapsed it will look longer than normal and stick out further from the body. A stoma can prolapse if the muscles supporting it are weak or it may happen as a result of straining the abdominal muscles i.e. through lifting.
you have lots of blood coming from your stoma, or in your stoma bag. you have signs of dehydration. poo has not come out of your stoma for much longer than is normal for you, or you feel uncomfortable. you have severe tummy pain.
Beyond the physical discomfort and health implications, untreated pelvic prolapse can lead to a diminished quality of life. It might reduce the joy in activities you once loved, from simple things like a long walk to more strenuous activities like dancing or aerobics..
Medical studies show that for many people, life expectancy with colostomy bag use is nearly identical to those without one, particularly when the underlying cause is non-fatal or successfully treated. Survival rates vary when cancer is involved. But many individuals live for decades post-surgery.
Skin irritation around your stoma is usually caused by leakage from your ostomy pouch and the output from your stoma getting underneath the adhesive and onto your skin. It is uncomfortable and can stop your pouch from working well. The skin around your stoma should look similar to the skin on the rest of your body.
Disability is not about whether you can walk a certain distance or have fully functioning limbs. Whether or not you feel disabled or class yourself as disabled, in the eyes of the law living with a stoma does class you as having a disability.
Nuts, sweet-corn, celery, mixed peel, coconut, popcorn and stringy processed cheese, or any food swallowed whole can block the stoma. If you do have these foods, make sure you chew them very well. With a well–fitting pouch there should be no odour except when changing the pouch.
Heating Pad or Blanket: A heating pad or cosy blanket is wonderful for days when extra comfort is needed. Many ostomates find that heat can ease muscle tension or discomfort around their stoma area.
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.