Colostomy bags can have an unpleasant odor, causing embarrassment for patients who wear one. There are ways to prevent smells from your colostomy bag.

How do I keep my colostomy bag from smelling?

5 Ways To Avoid Ostomy OdorEmpty Your Ostomy Pouch More Often. As a good rule of thumb, you should empty your ostomy bag when it gets about ⅓ to ½ full. Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages. Use a Filter in/on Your Ostomy Pouch. Use Odor Eliminators. Find the Right Ostomy Bag for You. Stay Healthy and Informed.

Do you smell when you have a colostomy bag?

Most people will be aware of the smell of their colostomy because its their own body. But someone standing next to you will not be able to smell the stoma. Youll have more gas than usual immediately after having a colostomy, but this will slowly reduce as your bowel recovers.

Does having a colostomy bag shorten your life?

[4] Using stoma, either permanent or temporary, greatly reduces the patients quality of life (QOL).