Flatus, the medical term for gas, is a common byproduct of digestion, and experiencing it with an ostomy is universal. Whether you have a colostomy or an ileostomy, bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract produces gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. Excessive gas buildup, known as “ballooning” in the appliance, can cause discomfort, pressure, and leakage concerns. Managing ostomy gas is achievable through dietary awareness, modifying eating behaviors, and using practical equipment solutions. This guide offers specific strategies to help control and reduce gas production.
Identifying Dietary Triggers
The foods you consume are the primary source of intestinal gas, as gut bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates. Certain food categories cause increased gas production or a stronger odor. High-fiber and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, are common culprits due to their complex sugars. Beans and lentils, which contain raffinose, also lead to significant gas.
Carbonated beverages like soda and beer introduce gas directly into the digestive system, as do foods containing artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol. Identifying your personal trigger foods is the most effective step, and a food journal can be a helpful tool.
While some foods increase gas, others help manage odor. Specific items work as natural deodorizers within the digestive tract. These include parsley and cranberry juice. Consuming plain yogurt or buttermilk can also help balance the gut flora and contribute to odor control.
Modifying Eating Habits
Gas in the ostomy appliance is not solely caused by digestion; a significant portion is simply swallowed air, or aerophagia. Swallowing air occurs through various daily behaviors, making the way you eat relevant. Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly minimizes the amount of air ingested.
Habits like talking while chewing or gulping down drinks quickly dramatically increase air intake. Using a straw also forces air swallowing. Additionally, avoiding chewing gum or sucking on hard candies reduces air intake. For people who smoke, the act of inhaling often leads to swallowing air, making smoking cessation important for gas reduction.
Practical Ostomy Appliance Management
Once gas is produced, managing its containment requires attention to the ostomy appliance. Many modern pouches have built-in charcoal filters designed to allow gas to escape slowly while neutralizing odor. These filters prevent the appliance from inflating, a problem known as ballooning. Filters work most efficiently when the output is formed, as liquid stool can clog the mechanism.
If the appliance lacks a filter or if the filter is blocked, the pouch may need to be manually vented, a process often called “burping.” This technique involves carefully opening the top or tail of the pouch in a private setting to release excess air. For added control, drops or sprays designed for ostomy odor can be placed directly into the pouch before sealing it.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Over-the-counter remedies are available to assist with gas prevention, though they should be discussed with a healthcare provider first. Simethicone-based products work by breaking down large gas bubbles in the digestive tract, making them easier to pass. Some individuals find supplements like activated charcoal tablets helpful for both gas and odor control, as charcoal can absorb gases within the intestine.
Warning Signs and When to Contact a Doctor
While gas is normal, an acute and persistent change in gas or output can signal a more significant issue. A sudden, complete absence of stool or gas output from the stoma, especially with intense abdominal cramping, is a serious sign of a potential bowel obstruction. This is concerning if it lasts for several hours and is outside the usual pattern.
Other urgent medical symptoms include persistent nausea, dry mouth, or vomiting. Swelling of the stoma or any change in its color, such as turning pale or dark, requires immediate medical attention. If severe bloating or abdominal pain does not resolve after home remedies, contact your doctor or ostomy nurse right away.