This is a little bit different from a normal fart. Usually, you can control farts with a sphincter control, but this one does not control where the gas releases.
Nobody wants to have this happen in the wrong social situation. Sometimes, you may become attuned with it, other times, not so much.
Rather than being embarrassed though, there are ways to get rid of not just the noise, but also the odor from this too. It does involve a bit of experimentation on your part, but there are lots of different means to stop the sounds from getting out.
Check the colostomy Bag
If your bag does not get seated correctly around the stoma area, it’ll leak the contents, air, and sometimes small. You should make sure that it’s fitted, and you’ll only smell stuff during bag changes.
You also may need to change it if you have been wearing it for about three days or so.
They do have filters too if you’re worried about this, and it can help you determine how to eliminate the embarrassing situation.
Get different Pouching Systems
This is where the nurse helps out a lot.
Anyone who has had a colostomy knows that not all devices are the same, just like how our bodies are all not the same.
One bag may work well for one person but won’t’ be good for you.
Usually, there are one or two-piece systems, with the one piece being used a lot more and is more low-profile, and usually is easier to change in some cases. You can get this closed where if you need to get out gas you just remove it, or with a clip near the bottom to get rid of contents and gas.
Some also offer pouches that are vented and filtered to help with gas.
Try different ones and see if that works for you.
Not fitting? Don’t Patch it
Sometimes, if it fits wrongly, or there are leaks, you might believe that a paste or tape is the solution. It’s not. Usually if the bag isn’t correct, it’s better to get a new system, since your body contours and skin all vary, and if there are wrinkles, scars, or skin that’s moist, it does impact the fit.
Get the Deodorant
Just like with other smelly places, if you have odors here, there are actually deodorants you can get to add to this.
There are also different supplements to help with this.
These deodorants should be discussed with your doctor though, since it may irritate the skin and make things harder.
Dietary concerns
If you’re healed up, usually you can eat whatever you want. The big problem though, is that those that are gassy for you will cause gasses again.
If you’re worried about gassy emissions, you should try to avoid them.
Some of these foods include:
- Fibrous veggies and fruits
- Beer and carbonated drinks.
- Spicy, greasy, or even fried foods
- Dairy
If you know that it’s causing gas, you may want to reduce eating it.
Also if you chew gum, and also use straws, it actually can get the gas out of there, helping to reduce elimination.
Gas is awkward, it’s embarrassing, and for some people, it can make them feel terrible too, with stomach pains galore. If you suffer from gas though, you’re not alone, and here, we went over a bunch of different ways to not only help with gas elimination, but also improve your quality of life too, and to make things much easier on you as well down the line.
Stoma Health Blog 