Stomach rumble: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Standardized-Patient-Program-examining- | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Stomach rumble | |||
| image = [[File:Standardized-Patient-Program-examining-the-abdomen.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A medical examination of the abdomen, where stomach rumbles can be assessed. | |||
| synonyms = Borborygmus | |||
| pronunciation = /bɔːrˈbɔːrɪɡməs/ | |||
| specialty = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = Audible sounds from the [[abdomen]] | |||
| causes = [[Peristalsis]], presence of [[gas]] in the [[intestines]], [[hunger]] | |||
| risks = None | |||
| complications = None | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Temporary | |||
| types = Normal physiological process | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical observation | |||
| differential = [[Irritable bowel syndrome]], [[gastroenteritis]], [[intestinal obstruction]] | |||
| prevention = Eating regularly, avoiding excessive [[carbonated drinks]] | |||
| treatment = None required | |||
| medication = Not applicable | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
A '''stomach rumble''', also known as '''borborygmus''', is a normal phenomenon that occurs as part of the digestive process. It is characterized by a rumbling, gurgling, or growling noise produced by the movement of gas and fluids in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. | A '''stomach rumble''', also known as '''borborygmus''', is a normal phenomenon that occurs as part of the digestive process. It is characterized by a rumbling, gurgling, or growling noise produced by the movement of gas and fluids in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. | ||
==Physiology== | ==Physiology== | ||
The sound of a stomach rumble is produced by the movement of [[gas]] and [[chyme]] through the [[intestines]]. This movement is facilitated by [[peristalsis]], which is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. | The sound of a stomach rumble is produced by the movement of [[gas]] and [[chyme]] through the [[intestines]]. This movement is facilitated by [[peristalsis]], which is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. | ||
===Peristalsis=== | ===Peristalsis=== | ||
[[Peristalsis]] is an essential process in digestion, as it helps to propel food through the digestive system. It begins in the [[esophagus]] and continues through the [[stomach]], [[small intestine]], and [[large intestine]]. The sounds associated with peristalsis are more pronounced when the stomach and intestines are empty, which is why stomach rumbles are often associated with hunger. | [[Peristalsis]] is an essential process in digestion, as it helps to propel food through the digestive system. It begins in the [[esophagus]] and continues through the [[stomach]], [[small intestine]], and [[large intestine]]. The sounds associated with peristalsis are more pronounced when the stomach and intestines are empty, which is why stomach rumbles are often associated with hunger. | ||
===Hunger and Stomach Rumbles=== | ===Hunger and Stomach Rumbles=== | ||
When the stomach is empty, the body releases hormones such as [[ghrelin]] that stimulate the [[hypothalamus]] to signal hunger. This also triggers the [[migrating motor complex]], a series of contractions that sweep through the intestines in a fasting state, leading to the characteristic rumbling sounds. | When the stomach is empty, the body releases hormones such as [[ghrelin]] that stimulate the [[hypothalamus]] to signal hunger. This also triggers the [[migrating motor complex]], a series of contractions that sweep through the intestines in a fasting state, leading to the characteristic rumbling sounds. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Stomach rumbles can occur for several reasons: | Stomach rumbles can occur for several reasons: | ||
* '''Hunger''': As mentioned, the absence of food in the stomach can lead to increased peristaltic activity and the production of stomach rumbles. | * '''Hunger''': As mentioned, the absence of food in the stomach can lead to increased peristaltic activity and the production of stomach rumbles. | ||
* '''Digestion''': During digestion, the breakdown of food and the movement of gas and fluids can produce audible sounds. | * '''Digestion''': During digestion, the breakdown of food and the movement of gas and fluids can produce audible sounds. | ||
* '''Gas''': The presence of gas in the intestines, often due to swallowed air or the fermentation of food by [[gut flora]], can contribute to the sounds. | * '''Gas''': The presence of gas in the intestines, often due to swallowed air or the fermentation of food by [[gut flora]], can contribute to the sounds. | ||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
While stomach rumbles are generally harmless, excessive or abnormal sounds can sometimes indicate underlying gastrointestinal issues such as [[irritable bowel syndrome]] (IBS) or [[gastroenteritis]]. | While stomach rumbles are generally harmless, excessive or abnormal sounds can sometimes indicate underlying gastrointestinal issues such as [[irritable bowel syndrome]] (IBS) or [[gastroenteritis]]. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
In most cases, stomach rumbles do not require treatment. However, if they are bothersome or associated with other symptoms, dietary changes or medical evaluation may be necessary. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding gas-producing foods can help reduce the occurrence of stomach rumbles. | In most cases, stomach rumbles do not require treatment. However, if they are bothersome or associated with other symptoms, dietary changes or medical evaluation may be necessary. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding gas-producing foods can help reduce the occurrence of stomach rumbles. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Digestive system]] | * [[Digestive system]] | ||
* [[Peristalsis]] | * [[Peristalsis]] | ||
| Line 32: | Line 45: | ||
* [[Ileus]] | * [[Ileus]] | ||
* [[Migrating motor complex]] | * [[Migrating motor complex]] | ||
{{Gastrointestinal physiology}} | {{Gastrointestinal physiology}} | ||
[[Category:Digestive system]] | [[Category:Digestive system]] | ||
Revision as of 18:21, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Stomach rumble | |
|---|---|
| File:Standardized-Patient-Program-examining-the-abdomen.jpg | |
| Synonyms | Borborygmus |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | Audible sounds from the abdomen |
| Complications | None |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Temporary |
| Types | Normal physiological process |
| Causes | Peristalsis, presence of gas in the intestines, hunger |
| Risks | None |
| Diagnosis | Clinical observation |
| Differential diagnosis | Irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction |
| Prevention | Eating regularly, avoiding excessive carbonated drinks |
| Treatment | None required |
| Medication | Not applicable |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A stomach rumble, also known as borborygmus, is a normal phenomenon that occurs as part of the digestive process. It is characterized by a rumbling, gurgling, or growling noise produced by the movement of gas and fluids in the gastrointestinal tract.
Physiology
The sound of a stomach rumble is produced by the movement of gas and chyme through the intestines. This movement is facilitated by peristalsis, which is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
Peristalsis
Peristalsis is an essential process in digestion, as it helps to propel food through the digestive system. It begins in the esophagus and continues through the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The sounds associated with peristalsis are more pronounced when the stomach and intestines are empty, which is why stomach rumbles are often associated with hunger.
Hunger and Stomach Rumbles
When the stomach is empty, the body releases hormones such as ghrelin that stimulate the hypothalamus to signal hunger. This also triggers the migrating motor complex, a series of contractions that sweep through the intestines in a fasting state, leading to the characteristic rumbling sounds.
Causes
Stomach rumbles can occur for several reasons:
- Hunger: As mentioned, the absence of food in the stomach can lead to increased peristaltic activity and the production of stomach rumbles.
- Digestion: During digestion, the breakdown of food and the movement of gas and fluids can produce audible sounds.
- Gas: The presence of gas in the intestines, often due to swallowed air or the fermentation of food by gut flora, can contribute to the sounds.
Clinical Significance
While stomach rumbles are generally harmless, excessive or abnormal sounds can sometimes indicate underlying gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroenteritis.
Management
In most cases, stomach rumbles do not require treatment. However, if they are bothersome or associated with other symptoms, dietary changes or medical evaluation may be necessary. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding gas-producing foods can help reduce the occurrence of stomach rumbles.
See also
| Physiology of the gastrointestinal system | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|