Learning how to burp a colostomy bag is basically a rite of passage for anyone living with an ostomy, and while it feels a little weird at first, it quickly becomes second nature. If you've ever noticed your pouch puffing up like a literal balloon under your shirt, you know exactly why this skill is so important. That buildup of gas—often called "ballooning"—isn't just uncomfortable and conspicuous; if it gets too full, the pressure can actually compromise the seal of your wafer, leading to the one thing we all want to avoid: a leak.
The good news is that "burping" the bag is a simple way to release that air without having to do a full empty. It's quick, discreet once you get the hang of it, and a total lifesaver when you're out and about.
Why gas happens in the first place
Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Gas is just a part of how our digestive systems work, but when you have a colostomy, that gas has nowhere to go but into the pouch. Some days you might feel like you're hardly producing any, and other days, it feels like you're inflating a parade float.
Usually, it comes down to what you ate, how much air you swallowed while talking or drinking, or even just how your gut bacteria are feeling that day. Since the bag is airtight (for obvious reasons), that air gets trapped. If your bag has a built-in filter, it's supposed to let gas out slowly while neutralizing the odor, but those filters can get clogged or overwhelmed. That's when you need to step in and manually burp the bag.
How to burp a two-piece system
If you use a two-piece system—where the bag snaps or sticks onto a separate wafer—you're in luck. These are generally the easiest to burp because you don't have to mess with the bottom opening.
To do this, it's always best to head to a bathroom, especially if you're new to it. Start by sitting or standing near the toilet. You'll want to slightly unhook a small section of the bag from the flange (the ring on the wafer) at the very top.
Here is the trick: Don't rip the whole thing off! Just use your fingers to create a tiny gap at the top edge. Use your other hand to gently press the air out of the bag toward that opening. You'll hear a little hiss of air escaping. Once the bag is flat again, firmly press that section back onto the flange until you hear or feel it click into place. Always double-check that it's fully sealed all the way around, or you'll be in for a messy surprise later.
Burping a one-piece system
If you wear a one-piece system, you don't have a flange to "crack open" at the top. In this case, you'll have to release the gas through the bottom opening—the same place where you empty the bag.
This can be a little trickier because gravity is not always your friend. To do this safely, you'll definitely want to be in a bathroom. Point the tail of the bag upward or hold it slightly above the level of your stoma to make sure any solid or liquid waste stays at the bottom. Carefully undo the closure (whether it's a clip or Velcro) and open the "mouth" of the bag just enough to let the air out.
Gently squeeze the bag from the middle toward the opening to push the gas out. Once the ballooning has gone down, wipe the opening clean if any moisture got near it, and seal it back up tight. It takes a bit more coordination than the two-piece method, but it's just as effective.
Dealing with the odor
Let's be real for a second: the air inside that bag isn't going to smell like roses. When you burp a colostomy bag, you're releasing concentrated gas, and that can be a bit stressful if you're in a public place or at a friend's house.
To handle this, many people use lubricating deodorants. You just put a few drops inside the bag when you first put it on or after you empty it. This helps neutralize the smell so that when you do have to burp it, the scent isn't nearly as strong.
Another tip is to carry a small bottle of air neutralizer spray. A quick spritz in the bathroom stall after you're done can help you leave the room feeling a lot more confident. Also, check your bag's filter. If it's constantly ballooning, the filter might be blocked by output. Some people find that putting a small piece of tape over the filter when they shower helps keep it from getting wet and failing prematurely.
Tips to reduce ballooning
While knowing how to burp a colostomy bag is essential, it's even better if you don't have to do it every twenty minutes. There are a few lifestyle tweaks that can help keep the gas production down to a manageable level.
- Watch the bubbles: Carbonated drinks like soda and beer are basically liquid gas. If you're struggling with a puffy bag, cutting back on the fizz can make a huge difference.
- Eat slowly: When you gulp down food or drink through a straw, you're swallowing a lot of extra air. Taking your time and chewing with your mouth closed (just like your mom told you!) really does help.
- Identify trigger foods: Everyone is different, but common culprits include beans, cabbage, onions, and dairy. You don't necessarily have to cut them out forever, but maybe don't eat a giant bowl of bean chili right before a long flight or a movie.
- Don't skip meals: Ironically, an empty digestive tract often produces more gas. Small, regular meals keep things moving smoothly.
When to burp vs. when to empty
Sometimes it's hard to tell if your bag is full of gas or full of well, other things. A quick "feel test" usually does the trick. If the bag feels light and squishy like a pillow, it's just gas, and you can go ahead and burp it. If it feels heavy or you can see the weight pulling on your skin, it's time for a full empty.
It is generally better to burp the bag sooner rather than later. If you let the bag get too tight, the pressure can actually force the air—and potentially some waste—out from under the adhesive of the wafer. If you feel that "tug" of a full bag, find a restroom as soon as you can.
Practice makes perfect
If you're reading this because you're new to the ostomy life, don't worry. The first few times you try to burp your bag, you might feel clumsy. You might even have a small spill or get some odor on your clothes. It happens to the best of us.
The more you do it, the more you'll develop a "feel" for your equipment. You'll learn exactly how much pressure to apply and exactly how to seal it back up without even looking. Eventually, you'll be able to do it so fast that it's barely a blip in your day.
Living with a colostomy involves a lot of learning on the fly, and managing gas is just one of those little quirks. Once you've mastered the art of the burp, you'll find that you can get back to your normal activities with a lot more peace of mind and a lot less worrying about your shirt suddenly inflating. Just take it slow, keep some deodorant drops handy, and remember that you've got this.