The noisy sounds coming from the stomach are caused due to muscular contractions of gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). These contractions move the contents of the stomach and intestines in a downward direction. The bowel sounds are normal sounds. Absence of these sounds is suggestive of some kind of obstruction in the digestive tract.
Bowel sounds can be classified as normal, hyperactive or hypoactive.
The normal bowel sounds are gurgling noises that are caused due to mixing of air and fluid during peristalsis. These noises vary in frequency, pitch and intensity. Roughly the frequency of these sounds is 6-35 times/minute. They are the loudest before meals.
Hyperactive bowel sounds are loud, high-pitched, tinkling sounds. They are caused by diarrhea, constipation or early intestinal obstruction.
Hypoactive bowel sounds are seldom heard. They are heard when there is ileus, bowel obstruction, or peritonitis. Use of narcotic substances or other medications can depress peristalsis.
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