Sienna Rhodes
A noisy stomach is usually a natural occurrence and a normal part of the digestion process. However, frequent, unusually loud sounds or the lack of abdominal sounds may indicate an underlying health condition. These sounds, called borborygmi, are caused by air moving through the gut and the movement of food, liquids, digestive juices, and air through the intestines. This process, called peristalsis, occurs when the intestinal walls contract and relax in a wave-like rhythm to squeeze food through the intestines for digestion. While borborygmi are a normal part of digestion, they may also be a sign of gastrointestinal disorders, including lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or intestinal blockage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Occasional stomach noises are normal. However, frequent and loud noises may indicate an underlying health condition. |
| Hunger | An empty stomach may cause louder noises. |
| Anxiety | Stress and anxiety can lead to increased muscular activity, causing bowel contractions and louder noises. |
| Swallowing air | Swallowing too much air can cause stomach noises. Drinking from a straw, consuming carbonated drinks, or eating too quickly can cause you to swallow more air. |
| Diet | High-fibre foods, artificial sweeteners, and dairy products can cause an increase in stomach noises. |
| Symptoms | If stomach noises are accompanied by symptoms such as pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or changes in bowel movements, it may indicate a gastrointestinal disorder or other medical condition. |
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What You'll Learn
Hunger and digestion
Stomach noises, or borborygmi, are a normal part of hunger and digestion. They are caused by air moving through the gut, and the sound of liquid and air moving through the intestines. The intestines are hollow, so the sounds that emanate from them during digestion are often similar to the sounds of water moving through pipes.
When hungry, hormone-like substances in the brain activate the desire to eat. These then send signals to the intestines and stomach, causing the muscles in the digestive system to contract and make noises. When the stomach is empty, it contains more air, and sounds travel more easily through air than liquid. This is why you are more likely to hear stomach noises when hungry.
Stomach noises are usually a natural occurrence, but frequent, unusually loud sounds or the lack of abdominal sounds may indicate an underlying health condition. For example, hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate an intestinal blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption disorder, or a motility disorder. Bowel obstructions typically produce very loud, high-pitched sounds that can often be heard without a stethoscope. These will typically co-occur with severe pain in the stomach, bloating, and a lack of bowel movement.
If you experience hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds with persistent symptoms such as pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or constipation, you should consider seeking advice from a medical professional.
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Lactose intolerance
The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance typically occur within two hours of consuming milk-based or dairy products. They include abdominal bloating, pain, or cramps, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are caused by the undigested lactose entering the large intestine, where bacteria ferment it, producing gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. The gases, along with the movement of food and liquids through the digestive tract, can lead to the rumbling or gurgling sounds associated with borborygmi.
While borborygmi is usually an ordinary occurrence during digestion, it can be more pronounced in individuals with lactose intolerance due to the increased gas production. However, it is important to note that borborygmi can also be related to other underlying conditions, such as celiac disease or high consumption of fructose and sorbitol. Therefore, if you are experiencing frequent or persistent borborygmi, it is advisable to consult a doctor or gastroenterologist to rule out any other potential causes.
The treatment for lactose intolerance typically involves dietary modifications, such as reducing or eliminating lactose-containing foods and replacing them with lactose-free alternatives. Dairy products, including milk, butter, ice cream, and cheese, are common sources of lactose. However, it is worth noting that hard cheeses and yoghurt have lower levels of lactose and may be better tolerated by some individuals with lactose intolerance. Additionally, commercially manufactured lactase enzyme supplements, such as Lactaid, are available over the counter to aid in lactose digestion.
If you suspect you may have lactose intolerance, it is recommended to discuss your concerns with a doctor. They can perform tests, such as the hydrogen breath test, blood tests, or stool tests, to confirm the diagnosis and provide guidance on managing your symptoms.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Stomach noises, known as borborygmi, are a normal part of the digestive process. They occur when the intestinal walls contract and relax in a wave-like rhythm to mix and squeeze food through the intestines, a process called peristalsis. These sounds are usually a sign of digestion and can occur several hours after eating or even at night.
While stomach noises are typically harmless, frequent, unusually loud, or abnormal bowel sounds may indicate an underlying health condition. For example, hyperactive bowel sounds, which are louder noises related to greater intestinal activity, may be a cause for concern if they occur frequently and are accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms could include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or severe abdominal pain.
If you suspect you have IBS or are experiencing bothersome stomach noises alongside other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and a proper diagnosis. They may use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal bowel sounds and perform additional tests to determine the underlying cause.
To manage IBS symptoms, including stomach noises, it is important to identify and address any dietary triggers, such as lactose intolerance. Abdominal massage has also been studied and reported to improve constipation, which can be a contributing factor to stomach noises. Additionally, stress and anxiety can lead to increased muscular activity in the intestines, resulting in louder bowel sounds. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, and ensuring adequate sleep can help reduce stress and regulate gut noises.
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Gastrointestinal obstruction
The stomach-rumbling noises you hear are called borborygmi, which are normal intestinal sounds that occur during the digestive process. These sounds are caused by the smooth muscles that line the gut contracting and squeezing food and gas through 30 feet of small intestine and large intestine.
However, frequent, unusually loud sounds or the lack of abdominal sounds may indicate an underlying health condition. For example, gastrointestinal obstruction, which occurs when the intestines are partially or completely blocked, can cause hyperactive abdominal sounds. This is because the intestines will contract with greater force to try to push food through the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause acute abdominal pain and other symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, and the inability to pass stool.
There are many possible reasons for intestinal obstruction, including abdominal adhesions, hernias, and foreign objects. Intestinal obstruction can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, especially if the intestines are completely blocked. Treatment options include receiving fluids and allowing the intestinal system to rest, or surgery if the intestines are seriously infected, injured, or blocked.
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction, it is important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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Anxiety and stress
The brain and gut are connected via the vagus nerve, which is one of the largest nerves in the human body. This nerve is responsible for sending signals from the brain to the gut and vice versa. When a person is stressed or anxious, their body releases stress hormones, some of which enter the digestive tract and interfere with digestion. This can lead to symptoms such as stomach churning, indigestion, nausea, bloating, fullness, and increased bathroom visits.
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety that are affecting your stomach, there are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Firstly, focus on what you can control, such as how you react to problems and your stomach issues. Accepting your stomach problems can reduce your anxiety and curb your symptoms. Additionally, try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and guided relaxation exercises. These practices can help manage stress and anxiety, reducing their impact on your stomach.
It is also important to address your biological, psychological, and social needs when trying to resolve gut-related problems. For example, you can make simple changes to your diet, such as eating more fibre- and probiotic-rich foods or taking fibre or probiotic supplements. Reducing your caffeine intake, especially coffee, can also help as caffeine can fuel nervousness and anxiety, making symptoms worse. Instead, try less stimulating caffeine drinks like green tea or oolong tea.
If you are experiencing chronic stressful experiences and frequent nervous stomach symptoms, it is essential to find ways to manage your stress levels and improve your digestive health. In rare cases, a nervous stomach may indicate an underlying health problem, so it is important to consult your doctor if your symptoms are regular or worsening.
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