Gurgling refers above all to the very characteristic noise produced naturally by the stomach. It is mainly produced by contractions of the intestine, when the bubbles of swallowed air or the gas produced by digestive bacteria burst. It is quite harmless, except in cases where it accompanies other symptoms.

What is it?

We recognize it among a thousand, the gurgling occurs in the belly for all human beings. It is perfectly normal… but not very discreet!

To understand its origins, we must return to the mechanism of digestion. When we swallow food, it slides down the esophagus before falling into the stomach. There, it is sprinkled with gastric juices which will take care of liquefying it, in order to facilitate the extraction of the nutrients contained in what we eat. Then follows the long “walk” of this “mash” of melted food through the intestine. This walk is powered by a whole bunch of muscles around the intestine, which contract it to move our digested food forward.

However, we find in the intestine many bacteria, not dangerous: probiotics. These secrete gases, hydrogen and methane, during the digestion of food. In addition to these completely natural gases, there are those trapped in our esophagus when we swallow food (especially when chewing gum!). This mixture is found to float in the intestine. And when it contracts, air bubbles burst: it’s a gurgling sound! The gas is then ejected either through the oral passages (the mouth), or through the anus (flatulence).

Recognize the symptom

Gurgling is a sound emitted in the stomach and lower abdomen, especially before a meal, then in the hour following a meal. 

Risk factors

Gurgling is not a symptom on its own, it is quite natural and in most cases indicates that digestion is taking place. Absence which is a symptom of other diseases!

It should still be taken care of if the gurgling sounds are too frequent, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen.

Hunger… but not only!

This is one of the most common misconceptions: if your neighbor’s stomach is growling, someone gives him a nice “Oh, you’re hungry!”

However, this is not necessarily the case. Of course, when the intestine is empty, the brain commands it to contract to signify that it is ready to receive new food. In doing so, it risks bursting air bubbles and therefore gurgling. But most often, it is during digestion that the belly growls! Except that in this case, the intestine is full, and the sound propagates less outside.

Functional colopathy

It is one of the most common digestive disorders. It is also called irritable bowel syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is a disease still little known, which disrupts digestion and causes many pains, accompanied by gurgling, diarrhea, bloating.

Gurgling is not dangerous on its own, however if it is accompanied by these other symptoms it is best to see a doctor.

pain

Pain in the lower abdomen, such as spasms, violent contractions.

bloating

The stomach swells more than usual and remains tense.

Disrupted transit

If the stools are abnormal, change from liquid (diarrhea) to solid and even with constipation.

Choosing the right foods

Everyone digests food in their own way, so gurgling sounds do not appear in everyone the same way.

The best method to reduce unwanted gurgling is to watch your diet, and better identify which foods cause digestive problems.

There is still a consistency: carbonated drinks and chewing gum, which contain so much air (in the bubbles, or when chewing), that gurgling is inevitable.

Consult a gastroenterologist

If the pain persists, talk to your doctor. He can refer you to a gastroenterologist. The latter can auscultate you, by palpation or ultrasound of the abdomen, or establish an examination to identify food allergies.