Do you have problems with ballooning?

• If your pouch is drainable, open the drainable end briefly to release the excess gas.

• Consider changing the pouch more frequently (changing once a day is advisable) or try a two-piece system so that excess gas can be released by detaching the coupling briefly.

• If you're using a more traditional pouch, a SenSura^® Mio pouch may be worth a try. The full-circle filter has a unique pre-filter that's designed to trap stool before it can reach the charcoal filter, which reduces clogging. Reduced clogging means air doesn't get trapped in the pouch - so it takes longer to inflate and ballooning occurs less frequently.

• Keeping a food diary can also help you uncover the cause. Certain foods – particularly spicy foods, foods that are high in fiber, green vegetables, beans and lentils – can all increase gas, as can carbonated drinks and beer. Understanding what leads to increased levels of gas in the pouch can help you manage how much air is entering the digestive system. You can try to remove one food category at a time.

Check your ostomy health regularly