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What Causes a Noisy Stomach?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A noisy stomach is typically caused by gas. It is gas that causes a person to burp or emit noises from another, more embarrassing, end of his body. It is also responsible for stomachs that growl or rumble, often at the most embarrassing moments. No one is exempt from gas, but some people seem to have noisier stomachs than others.

The gas that creates so much noise is typically caused by swallowing air; the rest of it may form as a normal part of digesting food. While most people don’t swallow air on purpose, many swallow quite a bit of it while doing ordinary things. For example, many people swallow air while talking. Those who inhale through the mouth while talking tend to swallow more of it, and people who gasp excitedly while speaking may take in even more. This can lead to burping that seems excessive and a very noisy stomach.

Chewing gum can make a person swallow air, which can lead to a noisy stomach.
Chewing gum can make a person swallow air, which can lead to a noisy stomach.

People also tend to swallow air while they eat. This is particularly true of those who eat and talk at the same time. A person is also likely to swallow air while smoking and chewing gum. Drinking through a straw and wearing dentures that don’t fit well can also lead to this issue, as can drinking a lot of soda and other beverages that are carbonated.

An illustration of a human stomach.
An illustration of a human stomach.

In some cases, a medical condition contributes to air swallowing and the development of a noisy stomach. For example, a person may have an allergy that causes mucus to drip from the nasal area and down his throat. He may swallow often, taking in some air along with the mucus he is swallowing; those with heartburn may swallow when backwashes of stomach acid move up into the esophagus. In the process of swallowing to move it back down to the stomach, they may also swallow some air. Some people just swallow more than others, often as part of a nervous condition; this causes more air to build up and make noise in the stomach.

Gas commonly causes a noisy stomach.
Gas commonly causes a noisy stomach.

Most people equate a noisy stomach with hunger, which is correct, but the noisemaker may not be the stomach after all. The unpleasant sounds may be the swallowed air moving in the intestine. Additionally, foods that tend to produce more gas than others contribute to stomach and/or intestinal noise. Such foods include those that are fiber rich, including many types of fruits and vegetables. Beans are notorious for contributing to gas; even juices and foods containing sorbitol, a sweetener, can contribute to gas.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon304698

Since I've been taking Metformin, I've noticed a huge increase of stomach grumbling and gas. I worry about it at times, but my doctor doesn't seen worried about it.

anon129030

Since having radiation on my spine, pelvic and hip bone (metastatic breast cancer) I have a very noisy stomach. Mostly when I eat meat. I hope it goes away, but it has been six months!

anon69845

yes my stomach keeps up lot of noise since i became diabetic. the doctor put me on metformin and since then my stomach has been noisy. i went to lots and lots of doctor for a scope but they refuse to do one because they said i have a bad case of ibs. they put me on zantac and chlord/clidi 5-2.5mg and that helps lots of time until i eat the wrong thing. try that.

anon69843

i had a bad case of noise going off in my ear that sounded like water and a fan blowing direct in my eardrum. i went to many of doctor one even said i had a small stroke, one said my sinus and the other didn't know. finally i went to my local family doctor and her husband had the same trouble. so she put us on paxil cr and it worked instantly. so try it please.

anon39248

I would like to know if it's possible to help me in regarding a noise in both ears. sometimes it stops for a little time then starts and remains there. I did search for this noise in the ears. the name is tinnitus. I went to see a doctor at clinic because of my balance. I feel dizzy, and this noise in my ears all the time. I will appreciate your suggestion. thanks a lot what you do for persons who have a little problem. thanks again.

jabuka

There was a period of time when my stomach was making sounds after I consumed dairy products. At least that is what it seemed to me.

Also your stomach will growl sometimes when you're hungry. I like to carry a granola bar, or some dried fruits or nuts to avoid hunger and possible stomach noises.

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    • Chewing gum can make a person swallow air, which can lead to a noisy stomach.
      By: vlorzor
      Chewing gum can make a person swallow air, which can lead to a noisy stomach.
    • An illustration of a human stomach.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach.
    • Gas commonly causes a noisy stomach.
      By: nebari
      Gas commonly causes a noisy stomach.
    • People with heartburn might inadvertently swallow air, causing a noisy stomach.
      By: nebari
      People with heartburn might inadvertently swallow air, causing a noisy stomach.