Stoma pouch ballooning – 5 tips to prevent your stoma pouch from unravelling

We all have to deal with gas at some point – which is perfectly normal. For some ostomates, gas can become very unpleasant if it is too intense or cannot be released through the filter on the ostomy pouch. As a result, the pouch bloats and lifts away from the body. This is known as ballooning.

Knowing the underlying reasons for ballooning can help you to react more quickly and thus boost your self-confidence. In this article, we give you helpful tips on how to avoid such issues.

Why does ballooning occur?

through the filter. This usually only happens, if the filter is wet or clogged and can therefore no longer work properly. The stoma pouch forms a balloon and this is very obvious, much to the dismay of ostomates.

Ballooning of the pouch can affect all types of stomas, but most commonly people with a colostomy. In the case of a urostomy, ballooning is not widespread.

Tips to prevent your stoma pouch from ballooning

Pay attention to your nutrition

First of all, it is always a good idea to analyse your diet. There are certain foods that are particularly flatulent. While these foods do not have to be completely eliminated from your diet, it is beneficial to be aware of them. It may help to keep a food diary, if you are having issues. Please always remember: We are all different – the effect of certain foods can vary from person to person.

Foods you should avoid:

Beans, peas, lentils

Cabbage vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower

onions, sprouts, spinach and corn

High-fibre fruits such as apples and pears

Dairy products

Grains and nuts

Bubble gum

Nicotine

Carbonated beverages

Drinking through a straw

Eat slowly

Basically, the faster you eat, the more air enters your gastrointestinal tract.

Eating slowly can therefore be particularly beneficial for people with stoma. You swallow less air, have no problems with flatulence and therefore bloating of your pouch is not an issue for you.

However, eating slowly also has other positive effects on the body. Your brain will have enough time to signal your body that you're full. So you not only avoid unpleasant gas, but also an annoying feeling of fullness after eating too much.

Use pouch filters

Most ostomy pouches nowadays are equipped with a filter that allows gases to escape silently from the pouch. In addition, filters usually have a charcoal reservoir that helps to eliminate gases inconspicuously and, above all, free of odours. It is best to check your supply for a filter. Filters are a complete life changer, especially for people with a colostomy.

It is important to know that these filters can easily become blocked if there is loose stool or moisture and therefore no longer work. This can lead to leakage and odours. Filters are therefore not the best choice for an ileostomy.

If you want to swim or shower/bathe with your stoma pouch, it is advisable to protect the filter from getting wet beforehand with a filter sticker or adhesive tape. Such stickers are usually always supplied with your supply.

If you are having problems with your current filter, it may be helpful to look for a supply where the filter is positioned at a different place.

Air up your stoma pouch

It can be useful to "vent" your pouch once to prevent it from ballooning. This allows gases to escape very quickly. It is best to do this in the bathroom, as gases have a particular odour. If you are using a two-piece system, venting is very easy – simply disconnect the pouch briefly from the base plate, let the air out and reconnect it.

Check for snoring or shortness of breath

If your stoma pouch bloats, especially at night, you may be snoring. This can often be the reason for night-time ballooning. Shortness of breath can also be the cause of this. Both – snoring and shortness of breath – lead to an increased air supply and therefore also to increased gas production.

Tips & Tricks:

Sleep lying on your side.

Try nasal strips.

Reduce your alcohol consumption.

Do not smoke.

RRegulate your body weight.

Care for any type of stoma

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Discover our wide range of stoma care products for every type of stoma, including colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy, as well as a variety of specialised supplies and accessories.

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