How To Prevent Ostomy Bag Ballooning and What Causes It

Ostomy ballooning is an unfortunately common issue for those living with ostomies. An excess buildup of gas in your ostomy pouch can cause significant discomfort.

To reduce gas buildup in your ostomy bag, consider using an ostomy filter, eating more slowly, taking note of what foods cause gas or bloating, and periodically releasing air from the pouch.

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1. Introduction
2. Overview of Ostomy Bag Ballooning and Why It Happens
3. What Causes Ostomy Bag Ballooning?
4. How To Prevent Ostomy Bag Ballooning
5. Choosing an Ostomy Pouch With an Effective Filter
6. Adjusting Your Diet To Reduce Gas Production
7. Eating Habits That Help Minimize Swallowed Air
8. Burping the Ostomy Pouch To Release Excess Air
9. Using Ostomy Deodorizing Drops To Reduce Gas Odors
10. Managing Ballooning During Travel and Altitude Changes
11. Best Products for Preventing Ostomy Ballooning
12. Where To Buy Ostomy Ballooning Prevention Products
13. Conclusion

Ostomy bag ballooning is a commonly used term for when gas builds up inside an ostomy pouch. This is a common issue among all ostomy users.

Digestive tracts will always emit some degree of gas, but knowing a few tips and tricks can help prevent excessive gas in an ostomy pouch.

Managing air buildup in ostomy bags takes time and practice. We’ve gathered a few solutions for your convenience.

Ballooning is a result of gas building up in an ostomy pouch. This often causes discomfort and inconvenience for ostomy users.

Several things can cause ballooning, from how you eat to where you are. Learning proper management techniques can help prevent gas buildup within your ostomy bag.

Ballooning is an indicator of gas buildup in ostomy pouches. Several things can cause this:

• Swallowing air
• Eating too fast
• Talking while chewing
• Using straws
• Drinking beverages known to cause gas
• Eating food known to cause gas
• Altitude changes
• Ostomy filter failure

A few easy tricks for reducing gas buildup in your ostomy system include:

• Pouch filters
• Dietary and eating adjustments
• Periodically “burping” your ostomy bag
• Deodorizing drops

Ostomy pouch filters help release gas throughout the day without odor.

Many ostomy bags have built-in filters, but some have replaceable filters. If you notice your ostomy pouch deflating more slowly or not at all, it might be time for a new bag or filter.

Since ballooning is caused by gas buildup, ostomy patients must understand which foods cause gas.

Everyone’s digestive system is different, and therefore, different foods will cause gas issues for different people. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have with personal dietary triggers.

Since your ostomy pouch is directly connected to your digestive tract, your eating habits play a big part in ballooning. One solution is minimizing how much air you swallow when you eat or drink.

Eat slowly. Chewing food thoroughly reduces gas buildup.

Reconsider straws. Straws and carbonated beverages increase the amount of air you swallow when you drink.

The best method for venting your ostomy bag will depend on what kind of pouch it is. In either case, it’s best to burp your pouch periodically throughout the day in the privacy of a bathroom.

One-Piece Ostomy Systems

1. Move your clothes away from the ostomy pouch
2. Angle the outlet toward the ceiling
3. Open the bottom of the bag
4. Carefully slide the output upward toward the outlet without emptying the pouch
5. Slowly squeeze the air out of the bag
6. Reseal the bottom of the bag
7. Reposition the pouch under your clothes

Two-Piece Ostomy Systems

1. Move your clothes away from the ostomy pouch
2. Slide the output downward toward the bottom of the pouch
3. Detach the pouch from the skin wafer just enough to let out some of the air.
4. Slowly squeeze the air out of the bag
5. Reattach the pouch to the skin wafer
6. Reposition the bag under your clothes¹

Odor control drops manage gas smell in an ostomy pouch by killing germs and odor-causing bacteria. Just a few drops neutralize unwanted smells and manage gas buildup. This helps reduce the risk of ballooning and minimizes bad smells when changing the ostomy bag.

Flying in an airplane or driving up a mountain causes ostomy bag ballooning for the same reason it makes your ears pop; the air pressure changes.

Much like popping your ears releases air bubbles, venting some of the air from your ostomy pouch reduces gas buildup and improves comfort.