Things You May Want To Know About Ostomy Filters

Ostomates find it quite challenging to control the gas odor released from their ostomy bags. The good news is, they can contain this gas odor with the help of ostomy filters. With the help of these filters, they can prevent inevitable gas accumulation in the pouch. Without a filter, these gasses can emit to cause embarrassment for the ostomates.

People with colostomies face the issue of gas odor more than people with other types of ostomies. The severity of this issue may vary between different types of colostomies. A sigmoid or descending colostomy tends to release more odor than an ascending colostomy. It is mainly due to the odor-causing bacterial accumulation that occurs when the stool passes through the colon.

Furthermore, ileostomies and urostomies come with a much-reduced risk of odor emission unless a health condition is there to cause the foul smell. In many cases, people with ostomies face the issue of extra gas accumulation in their ostomy bags. Allowing the gas to escape from the bag can be a real cause of embarrassment.

Role of foods

Whether or not you end up promoting an extra emission of gas and odor from your ostomy almost entirely depends on your food intake. And what may be more concerning for you is that many healthy foods have the potential to cause the gas issue, which can be disturbing if you have an ostomy. However, it doesn’t mean that you need to cut on the intake of such foods entirely. You can eat them at a time when you are not much concerned about the odor.

That said, let’s now mention the foods that promote odor.

• Garlic
• Fish
• Onions
• Eggs
• Dried beans and peas
• Fried foods
• Asparagus
• Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, turnip, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower

Similarly, there are some foods that can help you control gas and odor.

• Parsley
• Buttermilk and yogurt

Apart from the intake of gas-producing foods, another factor that can contribute to gas and odor formation is the way you eat. You can change that to help decrease gas formation.

• Consider chewing your foods well
• Avoid chewing gum
• Avoid using straws for drinking beverages
• Avoid talking while eating

Role of ostomy filters

Apart from the above mentioned odor-controlling measures, you can also employ ostomy filters. Most of these filters use activated charcoal, which has enhanced properties to absorb gas odor. The benefits of an ostomy filter are the following.

• It allows the gas to escape from the bag while containing the odor almost entirely. That helps prevent the distension of the bag.
• With reduced odor, it gives ostomates the peace of mind and confidence to interact with people in their social circles without worrying about embarrassing odor situations.
• Less distension of bag means a higher comfort level.

While all ostomates can use ostomy bags with filters, people with colostomies find it more beneficial due to the type of stomal output they have to manage.

Types of ostomy filters include the ones that come already attached to the bags and the ones that patients themselves have to connect with the bags. You can ask for guidance regarding which type may work well for you from your ostomy care nurse or doctor.