Most people with a stoma will have experienced stoma bag ballooning at some point. Ballooning is a common problem for ostomates, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. In this blog, we will explore what causes a stoma bag to balloon, how you can prevent ballooning and steps you can take if your stoma bag has ballooned.
What is stoma bag ballooning?
‘Ballooning’ is the term used to describe what happens when gas builds up inside your stoma bag and cannot escape. This is because it causes the bag to inflate in a similar way to a balloon.
This makes the bag larger and stiffer, so stoma ballooning can feel uncomfortable and in some cases, cause the bag to break or detach completely. This then opens the door to stoma leakage and skin problems. It can also cause odour, noises and make your stoma bag more visible. You may find this embarrassing, leading to stress and self-consciousness.
It’s clear that ballooning can cause many further issues, so let’s break down why it happens and what you can do about it.
What causes stoma bag ballooning?
Every time we eat or drink, we swallow a bit of air. It’s what causes burping and farting, along with food that hasn’t digested fully and has fermented in your colon. With a stoma, this gas doesn’t exit the way it used to through your anus. Instead, it collects in your pouch and you cannot control it.
Most pouches have a filter (usually with charcoal to make it odourless) to let this gas out, but they can sometimes stop working. This might be because it is wet or blocked by your stoma output (more likely if you have a high output). It can also happen if there is too much gas for the filter to handle. When the filter doesn’t work, the gas cannot escape the stoma pouch, causing it to fill and inflate like a balloon.
In the early days after stoma surgery, you will probably experience a lot of gas. This will settle down with time. Also, many ostomates report that they experience bad stoma ballooning at night. This is because you do not empty your bag as often overnight, causing the air to build up.
How to stop stoma bag ballooning
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix to stop your stoma bag from ballooning but our top tips can make a big difference.
Equipment tips to stop stoma bag ballooning
It’s vital to use products that work for you to avoid common stoma problems such as ballooning. This will be a trial-and-error process, but here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the best results from your stoma bag:
- Use the filter cover (the little sticker) that comes with your pouching system while bathing or swimming to prevent water from blocking the filter.
- You may need to change your bag more frequently. Filters degrade and become less effective the longer the bag is worn.
- If you use a two-piece system or a drainable bag, you can gently “burp” the bag in a controlled way to release air (find out more in our ultimate guide to stoma bags). This can help when your stoma bag balloons at night, but be careful not to accidentally cause a leak (sitting up will help).
- If you are worried about odour, you can purchase gel/drops/sprays to neutralise it.
- Changing your bag just before you go to sleep can help with stoma bag ballooning at night.
- If the problem persists, try a different stoma pouching system with a better filter. You can order free samples from most suppliers and then request to change your prescription. Some have advanced filter systems which may solve the problem.
- A support garment or high-waisted pants will keep your stoma bag hidden even if it balloons (be careful that they don’t restrict the bag though, as this can cause pancaking).
Food and eating habits to stop stoma bag ballooning
Gas production is highly influenced by what and how you eat. So what food causes stoma bag ballooning and what dietary changes can you make to reduce wind? Here are our top tips:
- Eat slowly and chew everything thoroughly; eating fast makes you swallow more air.
- Eat regularly and don’t go for long stretches without food. You might find that eating little and often helps.
- If you’re struggling with stoma bag ballooning at night, plan your meals so that you don’t eat close to bedtime – try to leave 2 hours in between. It might help to make your mid-day meal your ‘main’ meal of the day and make your evening meal smaller.
- Let fizzy drinks go flat before drinking them.
- Avoid drinking through straws.
- Drink peppermint tea or peppermint-infused drinks.
- Eat natural yoghurt to support gut bacteria.
- Avoid high gas-producing foods like beans, onions, fizzy drinks, and cabbage (see full list below).
Foods that cause stoma bag ballooning
Below, we list some foods that are well known for causing excessive wind. If you experience ballooning, there is a chance that these could be the culprit:
- Beans
- Peas
- Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Garlic
- Onions
- Leeks
- Lentils
- Wholegrain seeds
- Sweetcorn
- Green bananas
- Spicy food
- Fizzy drinks
- Chewing gum
- Artificial sweeteners containing sorbitol
However, everyone’s body reacts differently, so what affects one ostomate might not affect you. That’s why it’s worth keeping a food diary. Track what you eat and any symptoms you experience – this can help you spot patterns. Don’t hastily cut something out after one bad reaction – it might have been caused by something else, like a stomach bug or a filter issue. Give it time and look for consistency before changing your diet. Find out more: Foods to eat with a stoma
Conclusion
Stoma bag ballooning is a common inconvenience that can escalate to a serious problem if not tackled. If you are having major ballooning issues, you should not have to put up with it. Speak to your stoma nurse who can support you by making product recommendations or highlighting changes you can make to your diet. Don’t be embarrassed – they are experts who have dealt with every stoma problem under the sun and can provide specialised help tailored to your unique circumstances.
Further reading
Wind, ballooning and odour PDF
5 inspirational women with stomas (and their advice)
