Why Does My Stoma Bag Keep Blowing Up?

A stoma bag may blow up or inflate due to the buildup of gas in the bag. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the type of food you eat, the way you eat it, and your digestive system's efficiency in breaking down food.

Some possible reasons why your stoma bag keeps blowing up are:

- Diet: Certain foods can cause excessive gas production in the digestive system, leading to more gas being released through the stoma. Foods high in fiber, such as beans, lentils, and vegetables, are common culprits. Additionally, carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and smoking can also contribute to increased gas production.

- Digestive issues: If you have a condition like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may be more prone to excessive gas production. These conditions can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive system, leading to changes in the way food is processed and digested.

- Incorrect bag size or fit: If your stoma bag is not the correct size or is not fitted properly, it may not be able to effectively capture and contain the output from your stoma. This can cause leaks or blowouts, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

- Dehydration: If you're not drinking enough fluids, your digestive system may not be able to effectively break down and digest food, leading to increased gas production.

Based on discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, the reasons for a stoma bag blowing up can vary, and the following advice and insights were shared:

1. Dietary Factors: Certain foods can cause excessive gas production, leading to the bag blowing up. It's recommended to avoid gas-producing foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, fizzy drinks, bread, cereal, pasta, and grains, especially in the evening. Experimenting with different foods and dietary adjustments, such as reducing carb intake and avoiding carbonated beverages, can help manage gas production in the ostomy bag.

2. Bag Venting and Filters: Some individuals found that filters on ostomy bags may not be effective for everyone, and some users find them useless. Using a pouch with a filter can help release gas gradually and prevent odor, but the filter may need to be changed frequently. Osto-vents, little plastic devices, are designed to overcome the problem of ballooning and are worth trying out. It's also recommended to consider using gel packs like "Absorbagel" to absorb gas and stinky odors, turning them into a pudding-like texture and preventing ballooning.

3. Bag Maintenance: Ensuring the ostomy bag is securely closed, especially after burping it, to prevent leaks. Emptying the bag before going to bed to minimize nighttime worries and ensure more room for any output. When closing a two-piece setup, using a hand mirror to double-check the seal, especially at the 6 o'clock position, can help prevent ballooning.

4. Product Selection: Trying different types and brands of bags to find the one that works best for individual needs. Experimenting with different barrier brands and types to find the one that works best. Using a one-piece bag that molds better to the body if the stoma is in a fold. It's also advisable to contact the manufacturer for assistance and advice, as they can be helpful in addressing specific issues with their products.

5. Medical Conditions: Seeking professional help for excessive gas, as it may indicate a condition like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can be the cause of excessive gas and can be painful.

6. Traveling: Releasing air from the pouch as soon as the seatbelt light goes off during flights and avoiding eating gassy foods before the flight can help prevent pouches from inflating during long flights.

The advice and insights provided by the forum members are based on their personal experiences and may vary in effectiveness for different individuals. If the issue persists, seeking advice from a stoma nurse or healthcare professional is recommended.

Check out these links for more information:

• Burst bag causing stoma bleeding (March 29, 2012)
• Help! Ostomy Bag Exploding During Sleep (July 10, 2022)
• Colostomy bag ballooning: Seeking advice and solutions (December 23, 2016)
• Dealing with Foam and Air in My Bag - Need Help! (December 03, 2011)
• Colostomy Catastrophe: My First Major Blowout! (July 06, 2012)
• Need advice on broken, red, sore skin - possible water issue? (July 09, 2021)
• Ostomy blowouts in public - seeking advice! (November 27, 2011)
• Leaking Bag Nightmares: Dealing with Explosions and Air Build-Up (December 25, 2010)
• Pancaking and Blowouts: Need Advice! (April 15, 2022)
• Managing Colostomy Bag Ballooning: My Technique (November 27, 2022)