Stomach noises (borborygmi) are caused by gas and fluid moving through the intestines, and are louder when hungry.
Cause
Borborygmi are sounds of gas and liquid moving through the intestines during peristalsis.
Why louder when hungry
There is less food to muffle the sound, and hormones (motilin) trigger muscle waves.
Common triggers
Hunger, gas, certain foods, diarrhea.
Normal
Yes, completely.
See a doctor
If noises come with pain, bloating, vomiting or constipation.
Quiet
Eating regularly helps.
Digestive sounds explained
Stomach noises are called borborygmi. They come from the movement of gas and fluid through the intestines as muscles contract in waves, called peristalsis. A migrating motor complex sweeps the stomach and small intestine every 90 to 120 minutes when empty, which creates the growling hunger sounds.
- Normal bowel sounds occur 5 to 30 times per minute, a doctor can listen with a stethoscope.
- Swallowed air, carbonated drinks, high-fiber or high-FODMAP foods and sugar alcohols increase noise.
- Gurgling after eating is normal digestion.
When to see a doctor
Loud noises accompanied by pain, bloating, vomiting or a change in bowel habit may indicate obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or infection. Absent bowel sounds with severe pain and a rigid abdomen is an emergency. Eating slowly, avoiding gum and carbonated drinks, and eating regular meals can reduce noise. A symptom diary may help identify trigger foods.
Digestive sounds
Stomach noises (borborygmi) occur as gas and fluid move through the intestines during peristalsis. Hunger produces strong contractions called the migrating motor complex about every 90 minutes.
When to see a doctor
Sounds with pain, vomiting, bloating or changes in bowel habit can suggest obstruction, IBS or infection. Constant loud noises are usually harmless.
Sound production
Borborygmi arise when peristalsis moves gas and liquid, and the intestine has 5 to 35 bowel sounds per minute on a stethoscope. Hunger triggers the migrating motor complex, a sweeping wave every 90 to 120 minutes, which makes sounds on an empty stomach.
When noises matter
Absent bowel sounds with distension and vomiting suggest ileus, and high pitched tinkling sounds with cramps suggest obstruction. Loud sounds with diarrhea can result from infection, IBS, lactose intolerance or celiac disease. Reduce gulping and carbonated drinks. Persistent changes warrant a clinician visit.
Based on data from the Cleveland Clinic and the American College of Gastroenterology
