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Abdominal Sounds

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Definition

Abdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.



Alternative names

Bowel sounds



Causes

Most 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 ar...



Definition

Abdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.

Alternative names

Bowel sounds

Causes

Most 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:

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:

Considerations

Abdominal 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.

When to contact a medical professional

Call your health care provider if you experience any symptoms such as:

  • Bleeding from your rectum
  • Nausea
  • Prolonged diarrhea or constipation
  • Vomiting

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

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:

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.

References

Proctor 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.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: 11/16/2008

Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Conversations On Abdominal Sounds

  • Yeast, innocent levening or diet-ruining evil?


    • Posted On January 7, 2008 01:04:54 PM

      ...ad horrible bloating and distention and abdominal pain for a year and a half now. I haven't been able to eat corn, beans, or fruit for all this time. I have a resting metabolism of 1980 and yet ... Read More

    • Posted On January 7, 2008 10:59:45 PM

      ...w I have suddenly put on weight. I have abdominal distension and cannot lose right now. I had many tests including a colonoscopy and the GI doc says it is IBS. I have been wondering about Candid... Read More

  • I work out and count calories & can't get the scale to budge


    • Posted On June 8, 2008 05:32:39 AM

      ...o it will allow fat burning and enhance abdominal fat loss.. This issue also has a good article on "Lose the last 10 stubborn pounds" Oxygen has some good articles but I can't do lot... Read More

    • Posted On June 8, 2008 06:32:42 AM

      wah~~30% fat sounds so much, i don't think i've ever had my fat intakes so high in my diet! Read More

  • lactose intolerance?


    • Posted On March 17, 2009 04:48:24 PM

      ...e could see if the problems I am having sound remotely like this. Excuse any grossness in this topic, but about 4 weeks ago, I started having alot of phlegm in my throat after eating breakfast ... Read More

    • Posted On March 18, 2009 12:10:31 PM

      ...roducts, they may have symptoms such as abdominal bloating, excessive intestinal gas, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults and is not dangerous... Read More

  • Back problems


    • Posted On March 4, 2009 12:16:48 PM

      ...excercises that specifically target the abdominal muscles. Read More

    • Posted On March 4, 2009 02:18:35 PM

      Sounds symptomatic of bad form. Hire a personal trainer. Someone to help you put together a workout program and teach you how to do everything with good form. Good form helps you perform better and... Read More

  • Caloric restriction and exercise


    • Posted On October 22, 2008 11:31:49 AM

      ... isnt that you arent breaking down your abdominal area into groups, it's that they suck. I used to do 2000 crunches a day, and i get much better results training my abs for just a few minutes a... Read More

    • Posted On October 22, 2008 07:56:26 AM

      My total caloric intake is around 1500 calories per day. Sometimes I eat around 1000 and sometimes I crack 2000. I've started exercising recently, but my aim is not to build a large amount of muscl... Read More

  • Too much protein???


    • Posted On September 3, 2008 06:58:58 AM

      ...to the bathroom and I've started having abdominal cramps and back pain. I did some additional research today and believe that these are symptoms of too much protein. I've also read that a pers... Read More

    • Posted On September 3, 2008 07:31:06 AM

      ...g enough fiber and even more water. It sounds like it may be time to get checked out by the doc. Read More

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