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Abdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.
Alternative NamesBowel sounds
ConsiderationsAbdominal sounds (bowel sounds) are made by the movement of the intestines as they push food through. Since the intestines are hollow, bowel sounds can echo throughout the abdomen much like the sounds heard from water-pipes.
The majority of bowel sounds are harmless and simply indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is working. A doctor can evaluate abdominal sounds by listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation).
Although the majority of bowel sounds are normal, there are some instances in which abnormal bowel sounds provide valuable information about the health of the body.
Ileus is a condition in which there is a lack of intestinal activity. Many medical conditions may lead to ileus, but it is important to evaluate it further because gas, secretions, and intestinal contents can build up and rupture the bowel wall. The doctor may be unable to hear any bowel sounds when listening to the abdomen.
Reduced (hypoactive) bowel sounds include a reduction in the loudness, tone, or regularity of the sounds. They indicate a slowing of intestinal activity.
Hypoactive bowel sounds are normal during sleep, and also occur normally for a short time after the use of certain medications and after abdominal surgery. Decreased or absent bowel sounds often indicate constipation.
Increased (hyperactive) bowel sounds are sometimes heard even without a stethoscope. Hyperactive bowel sounds reflect an increase in intestinal activity. This can sometimes occur with diarrhea and after eating.
Abdominal sounds are always evaluated together with symptoms such as:
- Gas
- Nausea
- Presence or absence of bowel movements
- Vomiting
If bowel sounds are hypoactive or hyperactive, along with abnormal symptoms, continued evaluation by a health care provider is important.
For example, absent bowel sounds after a period of hyperactive bowel sounds are significant and can indicate a rupture of the intestines, or strangulation of the bowel and death (necrosis) of the bowel tissue.
Very high-pitched bowel sounds may indicate early bowel obstruction.
Common CausesMost of the sounds you hear in your stomach and intestines are due to normal digestion and are no need for concern. Many conditions can cause hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds. Most are harmless and require no treatment.
The following is a list of more serious conditions that can cause abnormal bowel sounds.
Hyperactive, hypoactive, or absent bowel sounds:
- Blocked blood vessels prevent the intestines from getting proper blood flow. For example, blood clots can cause mesenteric artery occlusion.
- Mechanical bowel obstruction is caused by hernia, tumor, adhesions, or similar conditions that can block the intestines.
- Paralytic ileusis a problem with the nerves to the intestines. Reduced nerve activity can result from:
- Blood vessel obstruction
- Bowel obstruction
- Chemical imbalances such as hypokalemia
- Infection
- Overexpansion of the bowel
- Trauma
Other causes of hypoactive bowel sounds:
- Drugs that reduce intestinal movements such as opiates (including codeine), anticholinergics, and phenothiazines
- General anesthesia
- Radiation to the abdomen
- Spinal anesthesia
- Surgery in the abdomen
Other causes of hyperactive bowel sounds:
- Crohn's disease
- Diarrhea
- Food allergy
- GI bleeding
- Infectious enteritis
- Ulcerative colitis
Call your health care provider if you experience any symptoms such as:
- Bleeding from your rectum
- Nausea
- Prolonged diarrhea or constipation
- Vomiting
The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. You may be asked:
- What other symptoms are present?
- Have you noticed any abdominal pain?
- Have you noticed any diarrhea?
- Have you noticed any constipation?
- Have you noticed any abdominal distention?
- Have you noticed any excessive or absent gas (flatus)?
- Have you noticed any bleeding from the rectum or black stools?
Depending on the findings of your physical exam, the doctor may order further tests. Tests may include:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal x-ray
- Blood tests
- Endoscopy
If there are signs of an emergency, you will be sent to the hospital. A tube will be placed through your nose or mouth into the stomach or intestines. This empties your intestinal contents. Usually, you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything, so your intestines can rest. You will be given fluids through a vein (intravenously).
You may be given medication to reduce symptoms and to treat the cause of the problem. (The specific medication depends on the situation.) Some people may need surgery immediately.
ReferencesProctor DD. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 134.
Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.
What else can I help you with?
Different types of sounds?
There are various types of sounds, including natural sounds like birds chirping or waves crashing, artificial sounds like car horns or alarms, musical sounds like instruments playing, and vocal sounds like speech or singing. Sounds can also vary in pitch, volume, and duration, contributing to their overall characteristics.
Do louder sounds travel faster than quieter sounds?
No, louder sounds do not travel faster than quieter sounds. Sound travels at the same speed regardless of its volume.
How can you differentiate between high and loud sounds and low and soft sounds?
High sounds are usually heard when you play the keys of a piano that are on your right; they have shorter wavelengths than low sounds. Low sounds are usually heard when the keys on a piano's left end are played; they have long wavelengths. Soft sounds are quiet and can't render your ears deaf. Loud sounds that are over 85 decibels can damage your hearing.
What sort of frequency do high-pitched sounds have?
High-pitched sounds have a higher frequency compared to low-pitched sounds.
How are low-pitch sounds different from high-pitched sounds?
Low-pitch sounds have lower frequencies, meaning they vibrate slower than high-pitch sounds. This difference results in low-pitch sounds having deeper tones, while high-pitch sounds have a sharper, more piercing quality.
How do you stop abdominal sounds?
Abdominal sounds are caused when you are hungry, so eat. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should limit carbonated beverages and high-fiber foods during times when you want to keep intestinal sounds at bay.
What do you listen for after abdominal surgery?
Bowel sounds to make sure there is not a blockage.
What abdominal quadrant are bowel sounds most active and therefore easiest to auscultate?
Lower right.
Is it possible to have pulled an abdominal muscle and have back pain as well?
that definitely sounds like a kidney problem. Seek medical attention immediatly.
What would symptoms be for non functioning small intestines.?
A non functioning intestine will cause you not to have flatus, absent bowel sounds, and abdominal distention.
What causes the noise that can comes from the liver of a liver cancer patient?
Liver cancer itself typically doesn't directly cause noise or sounds that are audible externally. However, certain symptoms associated with liver cancer or complications from the disease can lead to sounds in the abdominal area, and these sounds are typically not specific to liver cancer but can be related to various conditions: Bowel Sounds: The most common sounds in the abdominal area are bowel sounds, which are normal and result from the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. Abnormal bowel sounds, such as increased or decreased activity, can be associated with gastrointestinal issues. Ascites: In some cases, patients with liver cancer may develop a condition called ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Swishing or gurgling sounds may be heard due to the movement of this fluid. Tumor-related Issues: In more advanced cases of liver cancer, the tumor can grow and press against other organs or structures in the abdomen, potentially causing discomfort or unusual sensations. These may not necessarily produce sounds audible to others but can be felt by the individual. If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual sounds or symptoms in the abdominal area, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Liver cancer can have various symptoms, including abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, and more, and these should be investigated by a medical expert.
I wake up feeling feverish and nauseous. towards evening i tend to get feverish again. and i have got right side abdominal pain?
Sounds like ovulation to me :)
The surgical procedure that involves an incision through the abdominal wall often from the base of the sternum to pubic bone?
That sounds like the process of organ retrieval from the donor.
What does a stethoscope measure?
Stethoscopes can detect bodily sounds such as breath, cardiac, and abdominal sounds. In the hands of a skilled professional they can be used to detect abnormal heart sounds, bruits, and carotid blockages.
Black and brown blood fatigue dry skin abdominal hardening what are all these signs of?
Hypothyroidism sounds like a possibility, but you should see your health care provider for a complete history and exam.
What if you have chlamydia and have constant vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain?
Sounds like PID. You need to get treatment now. Call your women's health care provider tonight, and go to the ER if you can't get in touch.
Why do i have High abdominal pain?
It could be many things, from sore muscles (if you work out), or more likely it sounds like it might come from a gastrointernal upset in the small intestine (causing gas and the pain). Hope that helps!
