BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAbdominal soundsBowel soundsAbdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines. Considerations 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. A health care provider can check abdominal sounds by listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation).AuscultationAuscultation is listening to the sounds of the body during a physical examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Most bowel sounds are harmless. However, there are some cases in which abnormal sounds can indicate a problem.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersIleus is a condition in which there is a lack of intestinal activity. Many medical conditions may lead to ileus. This problem can cause gas, fluids, and the contents of the intestines to build up and break open (rupture) the bowel wall. The provider may be unable to hear any bowel sounds when listening to the abdomen.IleusIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Reduced (hypoactive) bowel sounds include a reduction in the loudness, tone, or regularity of the sounds. They are a sign that intestinal activity has slowed.Hypoactive bowel sounds are normal during sleep. They also occur normally for a short time after the use of certain medicines and after abdominal surgery. Decreased or absent bowel sounds often indicate constipation.Increased (hyperactive) bowel sounds can sometimes be heard even without a stethoscope. Hyperactive bowel sounds mean there is an increase in intestinal activity. This may happen with diarrhea or after eating.HyperactiveHyperactivity means having increased movement, impulsive actions, a shorter attention span, and being easily distracted.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 and there are other abnormal symptoms, you should continue to follow-up with your provider.For example, no bowel sounds after a period of hyperactive bowel sounds can mean there is a rupture of the intestines, or strangulation of the bowel and death (necrosis) of the bowel tissue.NecrosisNecrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Very high-pitched bowel sounds may be a sign of early bowel obstruction. Causes Most of the sounds you hear in your stomach and intestines are due to normal digestion. They are not a cause for concern. Many conditions can cause hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds. Most are harmless and do not need to be treated.The following is a list of more serious conditions that can cause abnormal bowel sounds.Hyperactive, hypoactive, or missing bowel sounds may be caused by:Blocked blood vessels prevent the intestines from getting proper blood flow. For example, blood clots can cause mesenteric artery occlusion. Blood clotsBlood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mesenteric artery occlusionMesenteric artery ischemia occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three major arteries that supply the small and large in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mechanical bowel obstruction is caused by hernia, tumor, adhesions, or similar conditions that can block the intestines. Bowel obstructionIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HerniaA groin lump is swelling in the groin area. This is where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).Read Article Now Book Mark Article AdhesionsAdhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body and cause them to stick together.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Paralytic ileus is a problem with the nerves to the intestines. Paralytic ileusIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other causes of hypoactive bowel sounds include:Drugs that slow down movement in the intestines such as opioids (including codeine), anticholinergics, and phenothiazines General anesthesia General anesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is treatment with certain medicines that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. After you receive the...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation to the abdomen Spinal anesthesia Surgery in the abdomen Other causes of hyperactive bowel sounds include:Crohn disease Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Food allergy Food allergyA food allergy is a type of immune response triggered by eggs, peanuts, milk, shellfish or some other specific food.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GI bleeding GI bleedingGastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding may come from any site along the GI tract, ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infectious enteritis EnteritisEnteritis is inflammation of the small intestine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have any symptoms such as:Bleeding from your rectum Nausea Diarrhea or constipation that continues Vomiting What to Expect at Your Office Visit The provider will examine you and ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms. You may be asked:What other symptoms do you have? Do you have abdominal pain? Abdominal painAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Do you have diarrhea or constipation? Do you have abdominal distention? Abdominal distentionA swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Do you have excessive or absent gas (flatus)? Excessive or absent gas (flatus)Gas is air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum. Air that moves from the digestive tract through the mouth is called belching. Gas is ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have you noticed any bleeding from the rectum or black stools? You may need the following tests: Abdominal CT scan Abdominal CT scanAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abdominal x-ray Abdominal x-rayAn abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the abdomen. Organs include the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines. Wh...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests EndoscopyEndoscopyEndoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera and light on the end of it. This instrument is called an...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If there are signs of an emergency, you will be sent to the hospital. A tube may be placed through your nose or mouth into the stomach or intestines. This empties your intestines. In most cases, 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 medicine to reduce symptoms and to treat the cause of the problem. The type of medicine will depend on the cause of the problem. Some people may need surgery right away.Open ReferencesReferencesBall JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.Landmann A, Bonds M, Postier R. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46.McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.AllVideoImagesTogDigestionAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersDigestion - Animation Food passes from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach churns the food and breaks it down further with hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin. The process of breaking food down in the stomach takes a few hours. From there, it goes to the duodenum, which the first part of the small intestine. Within the duodenum, digestive bile produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder along with enzymes from the pancreas break it down more. Enzymes are chemicals that speed up the digestion of specific types of food. For example, the enzyme trypsin breaks down the protein in steak, and lipase helps to break down fat. Humans don’t have enzymes to break down certain plant fibers, which is why they can’t be fully digested. The enzyme called lactase breaks down the sugar in milk. Sometimes, lactase is not produced by the body at all, or in insufficient amounts, making a person lactose intolerant. So, when a person who is lactose intolerant eats ice cream or yogurt, the digestive system gets bloated and expels gas. Once everything is broken down, the small intestine absorbs the nutrients the body needs. From there the nutrients go into the bloodstream and to the liver, where poisons are removed. Undigested food and water continue through the small intestine and go into the large intestine, where water is reabsorbed. Then, at the end of the line, feces are eliminated through the rectum and anus.Abdominal organs - illustration The process of digesting food is accomplished by many organs in the body. Food is pushed by the esophagus into the stomach. The stomach mixes the food and begins the breakdown of proteins. The stomach propels the food then into the small intestine. The small intestine further digests food and begins the absorption of nutrients. Secretions from the pancreas in the small intestine help neutralize the acid in the intestine to provide a proper environment for the enzymes to function. Bile from the gallbladder and liver emulsify fat and enhance the absorption of fatty acids. The large intestine temporarily stores and concentrates the remainder until it is passed out as waste from the body.Abdominal organsillustrationDigestionAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersDigestion - Animation Food passes from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach churns the food and breaks it down further with hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin. The process of breaking food down in the stomach takes a few hours. From there, it goes to the duodenum, which the first part of the small intestine. Within the duodenum, digestive bile produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder along with enzymes from the pancreas break it down more. Enzymes are chemicals that speed up the digestion of specific types of food. For example, the enzyme trypsin breaks down the protein in steak, and lipase helps to break down fat. Humans don’t have enzymes to break down certain plant fibers, which is why they can’t be fully digested. The enzyme called lactase breaks down the sugar in milk. Sometimes, lactase is not produced by the body at all, or in insufficient amounts, making a person lactose intolerant. So, when a person who is lactose intolerant eats ice cream or yogurt, the digestive system gets bloated and expels gas. Once everything is broken down, the small intestine absorbs the nutrients the body needs. From there the nutrients go into the bloodstream and to the liver, where poisons are removed. Undigested food and water continue through the small intestine and go into the large intestine, where water is reabsorbed. Then, at the end of the line, feces are eliminated through the rectum and anus.Abdominal organs - illustration The process of digesting food is accomplished by many organs in the body. Food is pushed by the esophagus into the stomach. The stomach mixes the food and begins the breakdown of proteins. The stomach propels the food then into the small intestine. The small intestine further digests food and begins the absorption of nutrients. Secretions from the pancreas in the small intestine help neutralize the acid in the intestine to provide a proper environment for the enzymes to function. Bile from the gallbladder and liver emulsify fat and enhance the absorption of fatty acids. The large intestine temporarily stores and concentrates the remainder until it is passed out as waste from the body.Abdominal organsillustrationRelated Information Auscultation(Special Topic)Intestinal obstruction and Ileus(Condition)Hyperactivity(Symptoms)Necrosis(Special Topic)Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 10/20/2022 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Abdominal soundsBowel soundsAbdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines. Considerations 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. A health care provider can check abdominal sounds by listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation).AuscultationAuscultation is listening to the sounds of the body during a physical examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Most bowel sounds are harmless. However, there are some cases in which abnormal sounds can indicate a problem.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersIleus is a condition in which there is a lack of intestinal activity. Many medical conditions may lead to ileus. This problem can cause gas, fluids, and the contents of the intestines to build up and break open (rupture) the bowel wall. The provider may be unable to hear any bowel sounds when listening to the abdomen.IleusIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Reduced (hypoactive) bowel sounds include a reduction in the loudness, tone, or regularity of the sounds. They are a sign that intestinal activity has slowed.Hypoactive bowel sounds are normal during sleep. They also occur normally for a short time after the use of certain medicines and after abdominal surgery. Decreased or absent bowel sounds often indicate constipation.Increased (hyperactive) bowel sounds can sometimes be heard even without a stethoscope. Hyperactive bowel sounds mean there is an increase in intestinal activity. This may happen with diarrhea or after eating.HyperactiveHyperactivity means having increased movement, impulsive actions, a shorter attention span, and being easily distracted.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 and there are other abnormal symptoms, you should continue to follow-up with your provider.For example, no bowel sounds after a period of hyperactive bowel sounds can mean there is a rupture of the intestines, or strangulation of the bowel and death (necrosis) of the bowel tissue.NecrosisNecrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necro...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Very high-pitched bowel sounds may be a sign of early bowel obstruction. Causes Most of the sounds you hear in your stomach and intestines are due to normal digestion. They are not a cause for concern. Many conditions can cause hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds. Most are harmless and do not need to be treated.The following is a list of more serious conditions that can cause abnormal bowel sounds.Hyperactive, hypoactive, or missing bowel sounds may be caused by:Blocked blood vessels prevent the intestines from getting proper blood flow. For example, blood clots can cause mesenteric artery occlusion. Blood clotsBlood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mesenteric artery occlusionMesenteric artery ischemia occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the three major arteries that supply the small and large in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mechanical bowel obstruction is caused by hernia, tumor, adhesions, or similar conditions that can block the intestines. Bowel obstructionIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HerniaA groin lump is swelling in the groin area. This is where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).Read Article Now Book Mark Article AdhesionsAdhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body and cause them to stick together.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Paralytic ileus is a problem with the nerves to the intestines. Paralytic ileusIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other causes of hypoactive bowel sounds include:Drugs that slow down movement in the intestines such as opioids (including codeine), anticholinergics, and phenothiazines General anesthesia General anesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is treatment with certain medicines that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. After you receive the...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation to the abdomen Spinal anesthesia Surgery in the abdomen Other causes of hyperactive bowel sounds include:Crohn disease Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Food allergy Food allergyA food allergy is a type of immune response triggered by eggs, peanuts, milk, shellfish or some other specific food.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GI bleeding GI bleedingGastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding may come from any site along the GI tract, ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infectious enteritis EnteritisEnteritis is inflammation of the small intestine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have any symptoms such as:Bleeding from your rectum Nausea Diarrhea or constipation that continues Vomiting What to Expect at Your Office Visit The provider will examine you and ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms. You may be asked:What other symptoms do you have? Do you have abdominal pain? Abdominal painAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Do you have diarrhea or constipation? Do you have abdominal distention? Abdominal distentionA swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Do you have excessive or absent gas (flatus)? Excessive or absent gas (flatus)Gas is air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum. Air that moves from the digestive tract through the mouth is called belching. Gas is ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have you noticed any bleeding from the rectum or black stools? You may need the following tests: Abdominal CT scan Abdominal CT scanAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Abdominal x-ray Abdominal x-rayAn abdominal x-ray is an imaging test to look at organs and structures in the abdomen. Organs include the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines. Wh...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests EndoscopyEndoscopyEndoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera and light on the end of it. This instrument is called an...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If there are signs of an emergency, you will be sent to the hospital. A tube may be placed through your nose or mouth into the stomach or intestines. This empties your intestines. In most cases, 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 medicine to reduce symptoms and to treat the cause of the problem. The type of medicine will depend on the cause of the problem. Some people may need surgery right away.Open ReferencesReferencesBall JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.Landmann A, Bonds M, Postier R. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46.McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.