How to Rid the Air of Colostomy Odor
Many colostomy pouches are made from an odor-barrier material that encloses the odor caused by stool or gas. This odor can escape when a person changes his colostomy appliance or after removing stool from the pouch, and an odor may linger if stool isn't wiped from the tail of the pouch. Although some people may feel embarrassed, this odor is a natural result of the digestive process for everyone. The odor in the air is easily reduced by using common household items.
Things You'll Need
- Air freshener spray
- Odor-neutralizing spray
- Scented candle
- Odor-controlling or odor-absorbing product
- Toilet tissue
Instructions
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1
Spray a pleasant-smelling air freshener or odor neutralizer around the room before and after removing stool from your pouch or after changing the appliance.
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2
Light a scented candle before emptying the pouch, but don't leave the candle unattended in a room.
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3
Place an odor-controlling or odor-absorbing product, such as The Bad Air Sponge or Nature's Air Sponge, near the area where your appliance is changed.
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4
Take out any trash bags that contain used colostomy pouches. If disposing of the colostomy pouch in a public place, put it inside a sealable plastic bag.
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5
Check the tail portion of an open-ended pouch for the presence of stool. Remove the stool with toilet tissue. Remember to always wipe off the open end, inside and outside, with toilet tissue after emptying the pouch of stool.
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6
Rinse the pouch with water after emptying it. If your appliance is a two-piece design, snap off the pouch and then rinse it with water. If the appliance is a one-piece design, you can use a turkey baster to squirt water up into the pouch through the opening at the bottom. Drain the dirty water into the toilet.
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Tips & Warnings
After applying a new colostomy appliance, check around the wafer for gaps that can lead to odor leaking.
Use a pouch with a special filter if you experience a lot of gas. The filter lets out the air without letting out the odor.
Foods that can increase the odor of your stool or that may cause gas include broccoli, fish, onions, garlic, asparagus and cabbage. You can limit these foods if odor is a concern.
Certain foods, such as yogurt and buttermilk, can decrease the odor in your pouch.
Empty your pouch when it is one-third full to prevent leaks.
Take steps to reduce the odor by adding a deodorant designed for a colostomy pouch. You can also add 10 drops of vanilla oil or peppermint extract.
Avoid using deodorants, perfumes and oils on the skin surrounding the stoma. These substances can prevent the wafer from sealing properly, which can cause leaks.
