Managing evening gas and ballooning with a colostomy can be a common concern for many people. If you're experiencing this, you're not alone, and there are several strategies that might help you manage it better. Here are some tips and insights shared by others who have faced similar challenges:

- Some people find it helpful to set an alarm every 45 minutes overnight to vent the pouch and manage the severity and frequency of gas.

- Diet changes can make a big difference. Consider eliminating or sharply reducing grains, cereals, and breads, as these can be major triggers. Cheerios, in particular, have been noted as a culprit. Also, try to avoid or limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee, and other beverages that produce gas. Eating smaller meals and avoiding large meals after 6 p.m. can also help.

- Certain foods and liquids might help reduce gas. Some have found that small amounts of pickle juice or peanut butter can be beneficial.

- Over-the-counter aids and prescriptions can be useful. Beano tablets taken with meals can help, even if you're not eating beans. Metamucil (psyllium) and Bentyl (dicyclomine) are sometimes prescribed by gastroenterologists for ongoing bloating and gas. While simethicone products like GasX are mentioned, one person found strong catnip tea to be much more effective.

- Probiotics can also play a role. Daily Greek yogurt with specific live cultures has been noted to decrease gas more effectively than regular yogurt.

- For an herbal remedy, strong catnip tea can help break up stomach gas. However, be cautious as it might attract cats, which could potentially damage the pouch.

- Pouch management techniques and accessories can be very helpful. Using a two-piece system allows you to briefly pop off the pouch to release gas without needing to visit a bathroom. Installing an add-on vent designed for ostomy bags can let gas escape during sleep. If the pouch’s built-in filter clogs, covering it with a sticker can prevent ballooning, allowing you to manually vent when needed.