How do you burp a stoma bag?

Having a stoma can be life changing, but with the right information and techniques, caring for a stoma doesn’t have to be overly difficult or stressful. One key aspect of stoma care is burping or venting the stoma bag to prevent gas buildup and ensure the bag sticks properly.

Table of Contents

What is a stoma?

A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body. There are different types of stomas:

Colostomy – Connects the colon to the abdominal wall to allow solid waste to exit the body.
Ileostomy – Connects the last part of the small intestine to the abdominal wall to allow liquid waste to exit the body.
Urostomy – Connects the ureters to the abdominal wall to allow urine to exit the body.

The stoma has no muscle control, so external pouches or bags are worn over the stoma to collect waste. These pouches are commonly called ostomy bags or stoma bags.

Why do you need to burp a stoma bag?

Gas can build up in the intestines and stoma just like in people without stomas. However, because the stoma has no sphincter muscle to control releasing gas, it can collect in the pouching system. Reasons gas may build up include:

Swallowing air while eating and drinking

Gas production from digestion
Blockages or kinks in the intestine

If too much gas collects in the stoma bag, problems can occur including:

Ballooning of the bag
Discomfort, pain, or cramps
Issues with the adhesive seal around the stoma

Potential leakage
The bag could pop off the skin

Burping or venting the pouch allows gas to escape so the proper fit and function can be maintained.

How often should you burp a stoma bag?

How often you need to burp your stoma bag depends on many factors like:

The amount of gas your stoma normally produces
Your diet and whether it increases gas

If you have a colostomy or ileostomy
If you have any blockages or mobility issues

There is no set burping schedule that will work for everyone. Pay attention to signs your stoma bag needs burping like bulging, ballooning, odor, or discomfort. At minimum, it’s recommended to burp your bag when doing routine stoma care like emptying the pouch or changing the bag.

Many people find burping the bag as needed works better than a set schedule. Guidelines include:

Burp the bag after meals if you pass a lot of gas when eating/digesting
Burp it when doing routine stoma care

Burp when you feel gassy or notice the bag inflating
Burp it when changing positions, like from lying to sitting/standing
Burp it first thing in the morning and last thing before bed

Pay attention to when you tend to need burping most often and aim to burp around those times. But you should burp any time you notice gas buildup.

How to burp a stoma bag

Burping a stoma bag is a simple process that only takes a moment. Here are the steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your stoma bag.

If sitting or standing, unfasten the top closure of the ostomy pouch but leave it attached to your skin.
Gently press around the top and sides of the bag, working your way down and pushing any gas bubbles trapped inside up toward the opening.
You can also lightly massage the abdomen below the stoma to help move gas into the pouch.

Once gas has collected at the top, you can either A) fully open the closure and waft the gas away from you and relatch the closure, or B) simply loosen a bottom corner of the closure to let gas escape, retightening it after.
Option B prevents having to look at or smell the released gas.
After burping, press around the adhesive seal to ensure you have a complete fit against the skin.

If lying down, you can raise your head and shoulders up with pillows. Fully unfasten the pouch closure and rub the bag gently to coax the gas out. You may need to sit up to get the optimal angle.

Some tips for easier burping:

Relax your abdominal muscles as you’re burping the bag.

Change positions to help gas rise – sit up after lying down.
Keep the bag closure loose between burpings.
Burp more vigorously after meals or at times you pass more gas.

Use care when burping bags with filters to not dislodge the filter.

What does it mean if you can’t burp the stoma bag?

In some cases, you may find it difficult or impossible to burp your stoma pouch even when it seems full of gas. Potential reasons for failure to burp include:

Weak abdominal muscles or poor mobility limiting ability to apply pressure

Very strong adhesives on the bag creating an airtight seal
Blockages or twists in the intestines preventing gas release
Stoma spasms closing the opening

Extensive scar tissue around the stoma
Stoma prolapse pulling intestine into stoma opening

If burping isn’t releasing gas from the ostomy bag, speak to your doctor or ostomy nurse. You may need an adhesive remover to help break the seal for burping. Prescription antispasmodic drugs can relieve spasms or cramps preventing burping. Treating any underlying blockages is key.

Getting emergency care is crucial if you see no stoma output and can’t release gas as this can indicate a dangerous intestinal blockage. Call your doctor whenever you can’t pass anything through your stoma.

Tips for reducing gas and the need to burp your stoma

While some gas and burping will always be necessary with a stoma, you can reduce excessive gas buildup through diet, supplements, and stoma care:

Avoid gassy foods: Beans, broccoli, carbonated beverages, dairy, high-fiber cereals, chewing gum.

Eat slower and chew thoroughly: Reduces swallowed air.
Try gas-reducing enzymes or simethicone: Available OTC, helps break up bubbles.
Use probiotics: Can improve digestive health and comfort.

Exercise regularly: Helps stimulate the intestines.
Drink adequate fluids: Helps prevent constipation.
Improve stoma appliance fit: An airtight seal prevents gas escape.

Tracking which foods seem to produce more gas for you can allow you to avoid your triggers. Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before making any major dietary changes.

When to call your doctor about stoma gas or burping issues

Occasional issues burping gas from your stoma pouch is normal, but contact your doctor or ostomy nurse if you experience:

Inability to pass any stool or gas for several hours

Severe pain or swelling of the abdomen
Persistent difficulty burping your pouch
Significant leakage of gas or waste around your stoma

Foul odor from the stoma not relieved by burping the pouch
Repeating blockages or constipation

These can indicate potential complications requiring medical attention. Seek emergency care if you suspect a bowel obstruction.

Living comfortably with a stoma

While burping your stoma pouch takes some getting used to, most people are able to integrate it seamlessly into their daily routine. Be diligent about burping when needed and find techniques that work well for your lifestyle. Maintain open communication with your healthcare team. With time, you’ll discover how to prevent and manage gas to keep your stoma healthy and comfortable.

Summary of burping a stoma bag

Burping releases excess gas from the stoma pouch to prevent ballooning, odor issues, and loss of fit.
How often to burp depends on individual factors – most people burp as needed rather than a set schedule.

Massage the pouch upwards while relaxing your abdomen and open the closure to release trapped gas bubbles.
Trouble burping could indicate a blockage, prolapse, or poor appliance fit; seek medical help if you can’t pass anything.
Adjusting your diet, physical activity, and stoma care can help reduce problematic gas buildup.

With the right troubleshooting and care, burping your stoma pouch to release gas should be a quick and simple process resulting in comfortable, discreet stoma management.

Time	Burping Tips
Morning	Burp pouch upon waking and changing out of any nighttime equipment.
After meals	Burp pouch after eating or if feel gassy during/after eating.
Position changes	Burp when moving from lying down to sitting/standing.
Evening	Burp pouch as part of nighttime stoma care routine.
Exercise	Burp pouch before and after vigorous physical activity.
As needed	Burp whenever notice bulging, ballooning, odor, or discomfort.

This table provides tips for optimal times throughout the day to remember to burp your stoma pouch to help relieve gas buildup and maintain comfort.