Bowel sounds or growling noise coming from the stomach is called borborygmi. These sounds are caused by muscular contraction of gastrointestinal tract to move the contents of the stomach and intestines downward. These bowel sounds are normal. Absence of bowel sounds may indicate obstruction on the digestive tract.
The normal bowel sounds are high pitched, gurgling noises that are caused by air mixing with fluid during peristalsis. This noises vary in frequency, pitch, and intensity and happens irregularly from 6 to 35 times per minute. The loudest time is before mealtimes.
Bowel sounds are categorized as normal, hyperactive, or hypoactive. Hyperactive bowel sounds-loud, high-pitched, tinkling sounds are caused by diarrhea, constipation, or early intestinal obstruction.
Hypoactive bowel sounds are seldom heard when there is ileus, bowel obstruction, or peritonitis . Use of narcotics and other medications can depress peristalsis.
by - Hernani C. Bandoy RN
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