This topic is about managing odor and gas when using an ostomy bag compared to natural bowel movements. It covers questions about the strength and nature of odors, how long certain food smells linger, and whether gas from a stoma is noticeable to others. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. General odor comparison:
- Many people find that the odor from an ostomy bag is similar to or sometimes stronger than natural stool, depending on the type of stoma. Colostomy odors are generally stronger, while ileostomy odors are usually milder.
- The longer the output stays in the pouch, the stronger the smell can become.
- It's important to remember that natural stool already has an odor, so a pouch isn't necessarily worse.

2. Diet and odor/noise control:
- The odor and amount of gas can vary greatly with diet. Foods like fish, seafood, raw onions, cabbage, grapes, and coffee are often mentioned as triggers.
- Keeping a food journal can help identify which foods cause more odor or gas for you.
- Planning meals, controlling portions, and using digestive medicines can help reduce gas.

3. Deodorizing products used inside the pouch:
- M9 Odor Eliminator Drops are highly recommended. Adding a few drops after each emptying can significantly reduce odor. They come in small bottles that are easy to carry.
- These drops help prevent odors from lingering on clothes or in bathrooms, providing confidence when emptying the pouch at work, while traveling, or visiting friends.
- M9 can be hard to find or expensive in some places, like the UK, so some people order it from the USA.

4. External or bathroom-focused odor solutions:
- Poo-Pourri is a citrus-scented oil spray for the toilet water surface that traps odors after emptying. It comes in both large home bottles and small pocket sizes, with various scents available.
- Carrying a mini perfume or air-freshener spray is another simple backup.
- Keeping the toilet clean can help reduce residual smells.

5. Gas management ("burping" the bag):
- With a drainable pouch, you can lift the tail end so the output falls away, open the closure slightly, and gently press to vent gas. This should be done carefully to avoid spillage.
- Stoma gas can be audible, but the volume and noise vary with diet. It's usually no louder than a stomach rumble and less odorous than pre-stoma flatulence. Humor and casual acknowledgment can help in social settings.

6. Miscellaneous tips:
- Empty the pouch sooner rather than later to keep odors down.
- For those with a very short gut or fast transit, odor may be minimal because food has little time to ferment.
- Using favorite personal scents, like cologne, can boost confidence, though they don't neutralize the pouch odor itself.