You hear water-like sounds in your tummy, called borborygmi, because of normal digestion: your intestines contract (peristalsis) to move liquids, gases, and food through, creating echoes similar to water in pipes, especially when the stomach is empty or you're hungry, but loud or frequent sounds can sometimes signal issues like IBS or food intolerances, requiring dietary changes or a doctor's advice if persistent.
Abdominal sounds (bowel sounds) are made by the movement of the intestines as they push food through. The intestines are hollow, so bowel sounds echo through the abdomen much like the sounds heard from water pipes. Most bowel sounds are normal. They simply mean that the gastrointestinal tract is working.
Normal bowel sounds may involve a gurgling or clicking noise that occurs throughout the day. It is expected, at times, that your bowel produces a loud gurgling noise for an extended period. This is known as a borborygmus, caused by moving gas or liquid through the bowel.
You should worry about stomach noises (borborygmi) when they come with severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, fever, inability to pass gas, black/bloody stools, unexplained weight loss, or extreme fatigue, as this can signal a bowel obstruction, infection, or food intolerance; otherwise, gurgling is normal digestion, often just hunger or swallowed air.
Sometimes bloating is caused by the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which usually causes a gradual increase in abdominal size. This is called ascites. The abdomen will often have a dull sound if tapped and the swelling may shift with movement.
As fluid collects in the belly, it can affect your lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Ascites causes belly pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and other problems. Certain things that help prevent cirrhosis of the liver and cancer can also prevent ascites.
Most likely, you will end up gulping taking in too much fluid and air which will contribute to the sloshing as well. It may also be that you have too much air in your stomach or haven't had a bowel movement that day.
People with mild acute pancreatitis should not eat until the pain goes away, bowel sounds (e.g., stomach grumbling and rumbling) become normal and appetite returns. Food should be reintroduced slowly — so long as there is no pain, nausea or vomiting.
People should contact their doctor if symptoms of stomach gurgling and diarrhea are associated with any of the following: Persistent or severe symptoms: People should seek medical attention if their symptoms are severe or persist for more than 7 days.
Although there is much variation from person to person, in most cases of loud noises from a hyperactive stomach are normal. However, your healthcare provider should be made aware of these sounds if you are also experiencing diarrhea, pain or other symptoms.
Some people with Crohn's or Colitis might feel bloated and gassy. Your tummy might make loud noises, or you might fart more than usual. This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
The following can cause loose stools or make them worse.
Remember, while these sounds can be embarrassing, they're often a normal part of digestion. However, if they're persistent and affecting your quality of life, they deserve medical attention. Your doctor can help develop a tailored plan to manage your symptoms and address any underlying causes.
Increased intestinal gurgling, rumbling or other sounds. Mucus-covered stool. Diarrhea, constipation, or switching between the two. Changes in bowel habits, including increased or decreased frequency and urgency, straining, and feelings of incomplete bowel movements.
Gurgling sounds in the digestive system often indicate a blockage. This sound, resembling water flowing through a pipe, occurs when liquids and gases move around an obstruction.
Early in the obstruction, bowel sounds may be hyperactive or high-pitched as the body attempts to overcome the blockage. However, in more severe cases, bowel sounds may become absent, mainly if strangulation or ischemia is present.
You should worry about stomach noises (borborygmi) when they come with severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, fever, inability to pass gas, black/bloody stools, unexplained weight loss, or extreme fatigue, as this can signal a bowel obstruction, infection, or food intolerance; otherwise, gurgling is normal digestion, often just hunger or swallowed air.
Borborygmi is an ordinary sound that can be heard during digestion, usually caused by the presence of food, liquid, or gas moving through the stomach and intestines.
Acute pancreatitis symptoms may include: Pain in the upper belly that may feel worse after eating. Pain in the upper belly that radiates to the back or shoulders. Tenderness when touching the belly.
Diverticulitis pain feels like a sharp, constant cramp or ache, usually in the lower left abdomen, often accompanied by tenderness, bloating, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea). The pain can start gradually or suddenly, may be intense, and might worsen after eating or ease slightly after a bowel movement, sometimes radiating to your lower back.
“Silent,” or painless, chronic pancreatitis (CP) exists when patients with diagnostic features of CP describe no abdominal pain. It is a poorly understood phenomenon but it is important as it may go unnoticed until serious complications arise, including pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes, and even cancer.
Stomach noises, medically known as borborygmi, are common and usually harmless sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. While these noises are typically normal, there are instances where they might indicate underlying health issues, including bowel cancer.
Check for over-the-counter digestive remedies that match your symptoms. These might include active ingredients like simethicone (like Gas-X) or bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto Bismol).
Another great way to reduce bloating after eating is to move your body. Try going for a walk after your meal to help ease discomfort. If your bloating is persistent, talk to your doctor.