Most people think that stomach
growling is usually due to being hungry. This is not always the case. Your
stomach can actually growl when it is hungry or when it is full. The noise
actually may not be coming from your stomach at all. It actually can be coming
from your small intestine. When the noise comes from your stomach it is known
as “borborygmi,” which does happen when the stomach is empty.
The stomach growling is a result of
muscle contractions of your intestinal wall combined with the presentence of
liquid and gas. It is a perfectly normal function that happens all day long.
Growling is part of the (MMC)
Migrating Motor Complex
The Migrating Motor Complex occurs
when your stomach and intestines have been empty for about two hours. Sensing
the absence of food, receptors in the walls of your stomach cause waves of
electrical activity in your enteric nervous system (which is like a second
brain embedded in your gut).
This triggers hunger contractions that
travel the entire length of your gut, helping to clear out stomach contents,
mucus, food particals, bacteria and other accumulated debris between your
means. A poorly functioning MMC has been linked to abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting and indigestion.
Bowels sounds are generally a problem
with irritable bowel syndrome or if your experiencing diarrhea, due to
increased muscle contractions and accumulation of fluid and gas. They also
should be a concern when there is a possible obstruction increasing the
intestines attempt to move solids, liquids and gas through the narrowed
intestines.
For more information regarding
abdominal sounds or noises call our office at (210) 468-1891.
In Health,
Dr. Jacob Torres
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