You should only notice odour from your ostomy pouch if you are changing or emptying it. Often ostomates with a fecal stoma are so self-conscious about odour that they frequently smell stool. If you think you can smell something, ask a trusted friend or family member. If odour is present when your pouch is closed, your first step is to investigate the cause.
Is the filter not functioning properly? A wet filter will allow gas to escape from the pouch but will not remove the odour. If you think this is the problem – put a small piece of tape or the sticker supplied with your pouches over the filter. If you are using a 2-piece system, you could also change the pouch.
Is the pouch outlet clean? As long as the bottom of the pouch (sometimes called tail or outlet) is clean before closing the pouch, there should be no odour. Have a look and if necessary, give the tail a wipe with toilet paper before closing it. It is not necessary to rinse out the entire pouch with water. In fact, this can actually increase odour as it can make the pouch more permeable.
Is the pouching system leaking? Pouches are pretty durable but they can get torn or ripped. If your pouching system is leaking, change it immediately. Do not tape down the edges of your flange or barrier – this just holds the stool under the flange and not only results in odour but skin damage as well. Sometimes a small amount of stool can leak under the flange – just enough to cause an odour. If you can see stool on the back of your flange or barrier, it is likely the cause of the odour. If this is happening on a regular basis, make an appointment to see your Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC), as switching pouches to a deeper convexity of flange size could help resolve the leakage. If you are concerned about odour when emptying or changing the pouching system there a few things you can do.
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Pouch deodorants: there are deodorants available that you put directly into your pouch. Some deodorants also have a lubricant added that makes emptying the pouch easier if the stool is thick.
- Room deodorants: the same bathroom deodorizers used by those without an ostomy can be effective – most of these products attempt to cover up the odour with another scent. There are odour-eliminating sprays that work to neutralize the odour rather than mask it (e.g. m9 Odour Eliminator Spray).
- Dietary changes: if you experience odour after eating, you may be able to identify some foods that cause odour. Everyone is different but foods that commonly cause odour include asparagus, broccoli, fish, onions, strong cheese, cabbage, eggs, garlic, and beans. To reduce odour, try cranberry juice, orange juice, parsley, tomato juice, and yogurt.
- Disposal of soiled pouching systems: taking your used pouching system directly to the garbage outside is obviously one quick way to deal with this problem. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Placing your used supplies into a zip-lock bag, dog poop bag or plastic bag supplied with your pouches before disposing of them is helpful. There are disposable diaper systems (e.g. Diaper Genie) available that may work well to eliminate odour when disposing of used ostomy pouching systems.
If you are having ongoing concerns with odour please make an appointment to see an NSWOC at one of our Nightingale locations.
