Abdominal gurgling, also known as bowel sounds, is generally caused by hunger, inflammation, mechanical intestinal obstruction, blood accumulation in the intestine, and other reasons. Normal bowel sounds occur about four to five times per minute. If caused by hunger, there will be no abdominal pain symptoms other than the gurgling sound. However, if caused by a disease, it may be accompanied by pain symptoms. Therefore, when abdominal gurgling is accompanied by abdominal pain, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Abdominal gurgling, also referred to as bowel sounds, refers to the sound produced by the movement of gas and liquid in the intestine during intestinal movement. Under normal conditions, bowel sounds occur approximately four to five times per minute. When intestinal movement accelerates, the frequency of bowel sounds increases, and when intestinal movement is enhanced, the loudness of bowel sounds also increases. Abdominal gurgling is mainly seen in the following situations:
1. Hunger: When hungry, the abdomen may gurgle without abdominal pain symptoms.
2. Inflammation: Diseases such as acute enteritis and dysentery can significantly increase intestinal movement, leading to aggravated abdominal gurgling.
3. Early stages of mechanical intestinal obstruction: Conditions like intestinal torsion, intussusception, and intestinal obstruction can cause bowel sounds to become significantly active and louder.
4. Blood accumulation in the intestine: This can occur in cases of ulcer bleeding, portal hypertension, and ruptured esophageal varices.
Therefore, abdominal gurgling can be observed in both physiological and pathological conditions. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis.
