Borborygmus: Definition, Causes, & How to Get Rid of It

The occasional rumbling sound from the stomach is quite normal. Although there are some common reasons for borborygmus, many consider it a sign of illness. However, if you follow a few habits, you can eliminate this problem.

Such unpleasant rumbling can have several causes, one of them is hunger. Besides, binge eating and different body positions can also cause borborygmus. 

Almost everyone has experienced stomach growling, even I have reviewed it more and more times. Actually, there are many reasons for this, which I will present in the following guide. 

What is Borborygmus?

Borborygmus is a type of growling sound. It is a process of the human body when food and liquid in the stomach make noises as they enter the intestines.

Borborygmus is also known as a stomach rumble or bubble gut.

Although it is a regular happening, sometimes there is a question about whether this gurgling is normal or unhealthy.

In a report published on Fox News, Dr. Manny answered one such question to a viewer. He says that just because our stomachs are rumbling doesn’t mean we’re hungry. Instead, this rumbling can occur both when the stomach is full or empty.

Usually, about 2 hours after our stomach is empty, the contractions and vibrations of the empty stomach cause this rumbling sound, and it sounds deafening.

Furthermore, borborygmus can be caused by fast eating or poor digestion.

Generally, there is continuous rumbling if no food is in the stomach for a long time. Since there is no option to drown out the sound on an empty stomach, it is louder.

Borborygmus

Top 7 Causes of Borborygmus

As I mentioned earlier, there are multiple reasons behind Borborygmus. Every conscious person should know these reasons because this gurgling has both normality and abnormality.

However, the most common reasons are below:

1. Excessive Hunger

This is the most significant cause of the rumbling we experience at times. Roaring can occur at any time of the day if food is omitted. 

2. Eating with Ambivalence

Borborygmus also happens when a person has eaten more than expected. As a result, the body reacts with dissatisfaction and grumbling. Especially when you eat fatty foods, it tends to work against the body and let you know.

3. Stressy Mental State

Another severe cause of stomach rumbling is a stressful mental state. Besides, our different experiences, stress and anxiety can cause discomfort in the stomach, which reacts with emotions.

A Harvard Health study states that various physical complications occur when someone is stressed or anxious. And stomach rumbling is one of them.

4. Eating Too Quickly

When you devour food, some air enters the stomach along with the food. Due to this air in the stomach, it tends to come out under food pressure or is obstructed.

Therefore, the air encountering this obstacle creates noise manifested as a roar.

5. Slow or Incomplete Digestion

Incomplete digestion of food is one of the most important causes of stomach rumbling. Sometimes, the food is digested very slowly after a full meal.

Sometimes, it is not even digested and causes discomfort in the stomach. Moreover, a considerable amount of air in the stomach manifests as discomfort in the form of rumbling.

6. During Pregnancy

Stomach rumbling is often seen in expectant mothers and women who have not noticed such a phenomenon before.

Growling in the stomach during pregnancy is associated with reconstructing the hormonal background. This actually happens when the level of progesterone in the body increases.

7. Taking Carbohydrate Foods

Sometimes, certain sounds come to you after eating certain foods, but this can be a reason to contact a specialist.

First, an adult’s stomach growling can be caused by incomplete digestion of carbohydrate foods.

That includes milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Must Read: What Causes Bubble Guts

Borborygmus

What Are The Symptoms Of Borborygmus

Borborygmus refers to the rumbling or gurgling noise produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. According to “The Times Of India,” this internal noise is also called stomach growling, a general phenomenon.

It is a normal part of digestion and is usually not a cause for serious concern.

Common symptoms associated with borborygmus or digestive disturbances include:

  • Abdominal discomfort: You may feel bloated, and gassy, or experience cramping in the abdominal area.
  • Flatulence: Increased gas production can lead to excessive burping or passing gas.
  • Diarrhea: You can also experience diarrhea or constipation.
  • Abdominal pain: Depending on the underlying cause, you might feel pain in the abdomen.
  • Nausea and vomiting: In some cases, digestive issues can lead to feelings of nausea and may result in vomiting.
  • Distended abdomen: The abdomen may appear swollen or distended due to gas accumulation.

How to Get Rid of Borborygmus?

I would like to remind you that Borborygmus or Borborygmi is a common condition, and in most cases, it is harmless. So, there is no cause for concern as soon as this happens.

Since there are several ways of borborygmus treatment, it is better to apply them. Undoubtedly, these tips will free you from the unpleasant situation:

Take your food timely

A common indication of a rumbling stomach is that you are hungry.

Therefore, you must take some food. This can result in the complete cessation of stomach sounds.

Drink more water

Dehydration or lack of water in the body can cause problems like stomach rumbling.

For this reason, you need to drink enough water regularly. It also happens that drinking a glass of water during such roaring can stop it immediately.

Do not eat in haste

Take your time and eat slowly. In this way, the problem of excessive gas accumulation in the stomach will be avoided.

Chewing food thoroughly helps the stomach move slowly and prevents gas buildup. As the gastric cannot condense, there is no possibility of rumbling.

Try to Relieve Stress

Good sleep is essential to keep the body healthy; it will keep you stress-free. Moreover, it can prevent stomach gurgling problems and other problems.

I mentioned earlier that stress is related to physiological functions. Therefore, this can be a very effective way to reduce stomach rumbling.

Take a Walk Occasionally

Walk for at least 20 minutes after eating, which will help your food’s digestion process.

Stomach rumbling will stop if there is no food digestion problem. So start walking at least 15 minutes after eating, but it’s better not to be too strenuous.

Call a Doctor to Diagnose the Reasons for Borborygmus

Borborygmus

Although stomach rumbling is normal, sometimes one may need to consult a doctor as we cannot stop all of them as usual.

You must see a doctor for some symptoms of possible underlying conditions.

The symptoms include blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting, persistent constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and persistent abdominal pain.

Moreover, some abnormal stomach grumbling must be diagnosed. These could be symptoms of a significant disease.

In this case, some medical tests will be needed as the patient may have a family history of bowel cancer.

The doctor will order further tests and treat accordingly with a thorough investigation.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, my guide to the topic of Borborygmus has enlightened you. Sometimes your stomach rumbles, which is normal. But knowing why it happens helps you fix the problem.

That’s why you should follow my guides. If it becomes serious, see a medical doctor.

Dr. Clifton Morris
Dr. Clifton Morris

Meet Dr. Clifton Morris, MD. He's a highly accomplished medical professional with an impressive career. He graduated from University Of North Carolina in 1994

He's also a Senior Cardiometabolic Faculty at Baim Institute for Clinical Research.

He did his training in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and specialized in Gastroenterology and Cardiac Ultrasound at Tricities Hospital..

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