A colostomy bag collects waste from a stoma, the surgically created opening of the colon on the abdomen. Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion and accumulates within the pouch just as it would in the digestive tract. The process of “burping” the colostomy bag refers to the manual act of releasing this trapped gas to prevent “ballooning.” This gas management is necessary for comfort, discretion, and to maintain the seal of the pouching system against the skin.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Burping the Pouch
Preparation involves gently moving any solid or liquid output within the pouch away from the intended opening to prevent accidental spillage. For many users, this means gently pushing the contents toward the top of the pouch, away from the tail or coupling. It is advisable to find a private location, such as a bathroom, as the expelled air will carry an odor.
The specific technique depends on the type of pouching system being worn. For a two-piece system, which features a separate wafer (skin barrier) and pouch, the gas can be released by slightly separating the pouch from the flange at the top. This creates a small gap, allowing the trapped air to escape without fully detaching the system. While the gas is escaping, apply gentle pressure on the wafer area to ensure the seal remains secure against the skin.
Alternatively, for a drainable pouch, the gas can be released through the tail closure, which is typically used for emptying effluent. One method is to lie down, which naturally shifts the pouch contents away from the drainage end due to gravity. The user then opens the tail closure, holding it upright and slightly open to allow only the gas to escape. Light pressure can be applied to the pouch to expedite the release of the air.
Once the gas is fully expelled and the pouch returns to its normal, flatter shape, the opening must be securely resealed. For a two-piece system, the pouch is firmly clicked back onto the flange, ensuring a complete seal around the entire circumference. If the drainable tail was used, the closure, whether a clamp or a fold-up Velcro system, must be meticulously cleaned and rolled or clamped shut to prevent leakage.
Recognizing Excessive Gas and Optimal Timing
The need to burp a colostomy bag is signaled by the physical manifestation of gas buildup, known as ballooning. This occurs when the pouch inflates with air, resembling a blown-up balloon, and can cause the pouch to become noticeable under clothing. A significantly ballooned pouch exerts pressure on the skin barrier, potentially compromising the adhesive seal and leading to leakage or skin irritation.
Users often feel a sense of abdominal discomfort or tightness as the pouch expands against their body. The frequency of burping varies significantly among individuals. It is often necessary after meals when digestive processes are active, or upon waking in the morning, as gas tends to accumulate overnight. Paying attention to these physical cues allows for timely gas release before the pouch becomes overly distended.
The manual release of gas can carry an odor, making it advisable to use a public or private restroom. Understanding that certain dietary choices, such as consuming carbonated beverages, beans, or cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, can significantly increase intestinal gas production provides context for managing the frequency of gas release.
Equipment and Techniques for Automatic Gas Release
Many modern pouching systems are designed with built-in mechanisms to manage gas automatically, reducing the need for manual burping. The most common feature is an integrated filter, which typically contains activated charcoal. This charcoal acts as a deodorizer, neutralizing the odor as gas slowly vents from the pouch through the filter material.
However, these filters can become less effective over time, particularly if they become wet from stoma output or during showering, leading to clogging. When the filter becomes blocked, gas can no longer escape automatically, resulting in ballooning. This failure necessitates a return to the manual burping technique or a pouch change.
For users who frequently experience filter failure, alternative devices are available, such as specialized air-release valves. These small, disposable vents can be attached to any pouch, providing a simple, open-and-close mechanism for releasing gas on demand. These add-on vents offer a discreet way to manage gas without opening the main pouch seal or the drainage tail.
Preventative measures focused on reducing gas production also support automatic release techniques. Simple behavioral changes, such as eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly, minimize the amount of air swallowed, which contributes to gas in the digestive tract. Avoiding the use of straws and limiting intake of carbonated drinks also reduces the volume of air entering the system, helping to keep the gas manageable for the automatic filter or vent.