Whether you can burp a colostomy bag is a common question for those living with one. A colostomy bag collects waste from the digestive tract through an opening called a stoma. Gas buildup in the bag is normal, but releasing it properly is important for comfort and preventing leaks. Understanding how gas affects your colostomy bag and learning burping techniques can help you manage it effectively.
How gas builds up in a colostomy bag
Gas buildup occurs in colostomy bags for a few key reasons:
- Swallowing air while eating and drinking
- Gas production during digestion
- Diffusion of intestinal gas into the bag
Everyone swallows small amounts of air when they eat and drink. For most people, this air gets passed through the digestive system and released as burps or flatulence. But for colostomy patients, the air goes directly into the bag through the stoma. The intestines also naturally produce gas during digestion, which travels into the colostomy bag rather than exiting through the anus.
Additionally, intestinal gas can diffuse across the colon tissue and into the colostomy bag. The types of foods you eat impact the amount and odor of this gas. Foods such as beans, broccoli, onions, and dairy contain sugars and starches that get broken down by gut bacteria, producing gas.
Signs that gas is building up
You may notice these signs that too much gas is collecting in your colostomy bag:
- Bulging of the bag
- Feeling of fullness around the stoma
- Increase in odor from the bag
- Gurgling sounds coming from the stoma and bag
The bag may inflate with gas to the point where the adhesive does not stick well. This could lead to leaks, which can soil clothing and irritate the skin around the stoma. Excess gas buildup can also cause discomfort and bloating sensations in the abdomen.
Risks of not burping the colostomy bag
Allowing too much gas to accumulate in the colostomy bag can cause problems, such as:
- Bag leaks due to poor adhesion from inflation
- Skin irritation around the stoma
- Discomfort, bloating, and cramping
- Social embarrassment from odor
Burping the bag regularly helps prevent these undesirable issues. It allows you to empty some of the gas in a controlled manner before the bag gets overly full and stressed. Releasing gas helps reduce pressure on the adhesive and stoma while limiting odors.
Techniques for burping a colostomy bag
You can use these effective techniques to burp your colostomy bag:
Open the top valve
Many ostomy bags come equipped with a small valve or port at the top. Opening this allows gas to vent out. Keep the valve open for 5-10 seconds while gently pressing on the bag to encourage gas release. Make sure to close it afterward to prevent leaks.
Use the bottom drain valve
If your bag has a drain valve at the bottom, you can open this to release gas buildup. Keep it open briefly while gently squeezing the bag. Position the bag so gas exits away from your skin.
Gently massage the bag
Lightly rubbing and squeezing the bag can help gas migrate to the top. Massage it using your fingertips or palm. Applying gentle pressure moves the gas bubbles trapped inside so they can be vented out.
Change body position
Changing how you are sitting or standing can encourage gas to shift around inside your bag. Go from standing to sitting, lean forward, or draw your knees up. This allows gas bubbles to rise so they can be burped out the valve.
Use a fenestrated bag
Some ostomy bags have small vents built into them. These openings allow small amounts of gas to be filtered out. Using a fenestrated style bag can help prevent excessive buildup between burping sessions.
How often to burp your colostomy bag
There is no set guideline for how often to burp your ostomy bag. The necessary frequency varies based on:
- How much gas you naturally produce
- Your diet and gas-producing foods
- The type of ostomy you have
- How easily gas accumulates in your bag
However, a good rule of thumb is to burp your bag whenever you notice it feeling inflated. Typically, burping every few hours or when using the bathroom prevents excessive buildup for most colostomy patients. Keeping a routine schedule can help you remember to burp it regularly.
Tips for easier bag burping
You can make burping your colostomy bag easier with these tips:
- Burp after eating or drinking to expel swallowed air
- Massage the bag from top to bottom to coax gas bubbles
- Change positions while burping to use gravity
- Avoid carbonated drinks to reduce gas production
- Choose a bag with a burping valve for convenient venting
Emptying the colostomy bag of stool before burping can also help gas come out easier. Making burping part of your routine helps you remember to do it regularly to prevent problems.
Foods that reduce colostomy gas
You can minimize gas buildup in your colostomy bag by being mindful of the foods you eat. Some foods produce more intestinal gas during digestion. Limiting these items can help reduce burping frequency:
- Beans, lentils, peas
- Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
- Onions, leeks, garlic
- Sodas, beer, fruit juice
- High-fat, fried foods
- Milk, ice cream, cheese
Low gas-producing foods include rice, fish, eggs, chicken, fruits, and potatoes. Eating smaller meals can also minimize air swallowing. Additionally, taking anti-gas medications can help reduce bloating and gas pain.
Signs of problematic gas buildup
Though burping typically keeps gas at comfortable levels, excessive buildup can sometimes occur. See your doctor if you regularly experience:
- Great discomfort from gas pain
- Difficulty or inability to vent the bag sufficiently
- Frequent leaking from air inflation
- Skin irritation around the stoma
- Nausea, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea
This may indicate a stricture or obstruction that needs medical attention. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or gastroparesis can also increase problematic gas.
When to avoid burping the bag
In some cases, it’s best not to deliberately burp your colostomy bag. Avoid burping if you have severe diarrhea or very liquid output. The watery stool can leak out when venting gas. Also temporarily stop burping if you develop skin irritation around the stoma until it has healed.
Conclusion
Burping your colostomy bag is an important practice. Manually releasing built-up gas prevents inflation, odor, discomfort, and potential leaks. Try utilizing burping valves, position changes, bag massage, and scheduled venting. Adjusting your diet can also reduce gas volume. Learning to burp your bag correctly provides comfort and confidence.