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Preventing stoma smell

Can people smell my stoma?

One of the most common questions you might have is: “Will others notice a smell?”. It’s a completely natural concern and you’re not alone in having it. Discover 5 practical steps to prevent stoma smell and feel confident in your everyday life.

Did you know?

  • Early colostomy issues with smell 1.

    0%

    Patients with a colostomy for less than 3 months who notice issues with smell.

  • Long-term concerns about smell 1.

    0%

    Patients who have had an ostomy for up to 3 years.

Up to half of people living with a stoma experience embarrassing smells.1 So, you’re not alone: smell is a common concern.

 These smells are usually caused by gas, which can build up and create unpleasant situations in daily life. And the longer you live with a stoma, the more likely smells can appear, making it a challenge that often persists over time.1

At B. Braun, we truly understand how much this can affect your daily life. That’s why we design our solutions with your comfort in mind. Here, you’ll find practical tips and advice to help you feel more confident and in control. Because when you know your stoma is well managed, it can be easier to move through the day with peace of mind and focus on what truly matters.

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Step 1: Ensure a proper seal

A secure seal between your skin and the stoma appliance is essential2,3. It prevents leakages, which can have a significant effect on your psychological wellbeing4 and can also be a cause of unpleasant smells. To maintain proper protection, always check that your stoma bag fits well and is correctly positioned.

Step 2: Check the filter

Make sure you’re using a bag that’s right for your type of stoma: it will also have a filter designed to meet your needs.

Most colostomy and ileostomy stoma bags include a filter that can help reduce smell and release gas. If the filter becomes wet or damaged, it stops working effectively. If you have an urostomy, your stoma bag doesn't have a filter. The reason is simple: the main function of a filter is to release gas and neutralize smell. With a urostomy, the output is almost exclusively urine, meaning there is no intestinal gas which makes a filter unnecessary.

If the stoma bag collapses or inflates too much, the filter may be:

  • Wet or blocked, possibly after a shower
  • Saturated, if it has already filtered too much gas
  • Unsuitable for your type of stoma or abdominal shape

In these cases, you can:

  • Temporarily cover the filter with a sticker during showers
  • Change the stoma bag more frequently
  • Consult a stoma nurse to find a more suitable product
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Step 3: Watch what you eat and how you eat

Gas and smell from certain foods are normal, even after stoma surgery. Your stoma doesn’t cause them, but you might notice them more. Regarding what to eat and drink, what really matters is your underlying condition and your eating habits.

Tips that can help to reduce gas and odor

  • Avoid swallowing air: Chew well, eat slowly and limit gum, straws, fizzy drinks, and smoking
  • Don’t skip meals: When your intestines are empty, extra gas can form. Eat small meals throughout the day

Foods and habits to limit

  • With an ileostomy: gum, carbonated drinks, smoking
  • With a colostomy: beans, onions, cabbage, broccoli, eggs, fish, alcohol

Natural options

You can ask your stoma nurse whether it is worth trying mint water, plain yogurt, tomato juice, orange or blueberry juice, parsley, fennel tea.

The low FODMAP diet

Getting personalized advice about what to eat can really help. For example, the low FODMAP diet. It has three steps:

  • Restriction phase (about 4–6 weeks)
  • Reintroduction phase to see what you tolerate
  • Personalization for a balanced plan

Studies show this approach can help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 5 or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) 6. If you’re interested, talk to your stoma nurse or a dietitian before starting.

Step 4: Monitor for infections

If you have a urostomy, be aware that a urinary tract infection (UTI) might be the reason for strong smell. If you notice any changes in smell, or experience other symptoms such as discomfort or unusual urine color, contact your stoma nurse promptly. Early support can help you feel better and avoid complications.

Step 5: Clean thoroughly

Proper hygiene is key to prevent stoma smell. Clean the outlet of your drainable stoma bag regularly to remove any residue that could cause lingering smells. Use warm water and gentle, unscented soap.  Learn how to take care of your stoma by following 5 essential steps to build a routine.

Feel fresh, feel confident

Preventing stoma smell is possible with the right tools, habits and support. Helping you enjoy daily life with more comfort and confidence.

A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a beige v-neck top and wide-leg white trousers, walks down a stone-paved sidewalk past a white wall with a stone-framed window while carrying a brown leather handbag.

Questions you might have about preventing stoma smell

If your stoma bag is properly fitted, clean and you pay attention to your diet, there should be no noticeable smell. However, smell can occur if the bag isn’t sealed correctly or becomes too full or if you eat certain foods that can cause extra gas.

To prevent stoma smell, make sure your bag is securely attached, empty it regularly before it becomes too full and limit foods that produce malodorous gas, such as cabbage, onions and beans.

The stoma bag might be full, the filter could be wet or damaged, or there might be a small leak. Check the bag and see if it’s time to change it.

Mint, parsley, yogurt, tomato juice, and blueberry juice are said to be helpful.

Yes, modern stoma bags are designed to minimize odors before they escape. They contain special filters with activated carbon that trap smells, helping you feel more comfortable and confident in everyday life.

It’s normal for gas to escape through your stoma and sometimes this can make a noise. Unfortunately, you cannot fully control this. However, using a high-quality stoma bag with an advanced filter can help: these filters allow gases to escape automatically.

Experience the discretion you deserve

Request your free stoma bag sample today

Request a sample

References

1. Kristensen HØ, Christensen P, Gögenur I, Jacobsen KI, Juul T, Ravn S, Krogsgaard M. Does the impact of a colostomy on quality of life change with time? - Prospective evaluation in rectal cancer patients. Colorectal Dis. 2025 Nov;27(11):e70305. doi: 10.1111/codi.70305. PMID: 41237016.

2. Evans M, White P. Selecting convexity to improve and maintain peristomal skin integrity. Br J Nurs. 2020 Sep 10;29(16):S8-S14. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.16.S8. PMID: 32901550.

3. Cremen J, Lee A. An overview of stoma care in the residential setting. Nursing and Residential Care. 2016; 18(11): 596-602

4. Marinez AC, González E, Holm K, Bock D, Prytz M, Haglind E, Angenete E. Stoma-related symptoms in patients operated for rectal cancer with abdominoperineal excision. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2016 Mar;31(3):635-41. doi: 10.1007/s00384-015-2491-4. Epub 2016 Jan 5. PMID: 26728024.

5. Black CJ, Staudacher HM, Ford AC. Efficacy of a low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gut. 2022 Jun;71(6):1117-1126. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325214. Epub 2021 Aug 10. PMID: 34376515.

6. Charlebois A, Rosenfeld G, Bressler B. The Impact of Dietary Interventions on the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Jun 10;56(8):1370-8. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2012.760515. PMID: 25569442.

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