Understanding Borborygmi: Can Stomach Noises Be a Sign of Bowel Cancer?
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
|Everyone knows about stomach sounds. You may hear your stomach gurgling, grumbling, or making strange noises, and at times, they appear at the most inconvenient moments. These stomach sounds are medically known as borborygmi. Most of the time, they’re harmless and caused by the movement of gas or fluids in the intestines. However, they can occasionally be a matter of concern, especially when they persist and are accompanied by other symptoms. It raises an important question: Can stomach noises be a sign of bowel cancer?
Let’s explore more into what these gut sounds mean, when they’re normal, and when it’s time to see a doctor. Understanding your body’s cues can help you catch serious issues early or alleviate unnecessary worry.
What Causes Stomach Noises?
Stomach noises are a completely normal part of the digestive process. They occur when air and fluid move through the digestive tract. They usually remind us that the intestines are doing their job of breaking down food and moving it along with muscular contractions called peristalsis. However, there may be other instances when your stomach makes those sounds. Common causes of these sounds include:
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You’re hungry, or you are on an empty stomach
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Consuming gastric foods
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You’ve swallowed air from eating too fast or drinking carbonated beverages
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It is simply the digestive activity after eating
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You're dehydrated, or there’s an electrolyte imbalance
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You’re experiencing mild gastrointestinal irritations like indigestion or mild food intolerance
Know that in most cases, these noises are harmless and not a sign of anything dangerous. But then, there are instances when you should be a little concerned about them. We’ll help you understand more about that in the next section.
Also Read: Is Your Gut Unhealthy?
When Are Stomach Noises a Concern?
As we read earlier, gut sounds alone are rarely a cause for alarm. However, what you should look for is whether they accompany other symptoms. These symptoms, along with the stomach noises, would definitely need you to have a closer look.
Check if your stomach is constantly noisy and if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms. If yes, it may be time for you to go and talk to your healthcare provider:
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Persistent or unexplained abdominal pain or cramps
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Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
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You feel that your bowel does not empty completely
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Ongoing diarrhea or constipation
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A noticeable change in bowel habits
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Constant bloating or cramping
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Fatigue or weakness
These signs may point to a more serious digestive issue, including bowel cancer. The chances grow higher if you're over the age of 50 or have a family history of colon or rectal cancer. When a tumor begins to grow, it exhibits signs and symptoms (as above), including stomach noises.
Can Bowel Cancer Really Cause Stomach Noises?
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum. It often grows slowly. When it's in the early stages, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms, which is why it often goes undetected. This marks the significance of how vital routine screenings are.
We insist on the point that stomach noises are not typically a direct symptom of bowel cancer. However, cancer can cause certain complications, such as partial bowel obstruction. This can lead to changes in gut motility, resulting in unusual sounds. The tumor can also be large enough to interfere with the passage of food or waste. It may cause gurgling or high-pitched bowel sounds, accompanied by discomfort or changes in bowel function. And this is what you should notice and be concerned about.
So, noisy digestion alone is rarely a red flag. But in the presence of other concerning symptoms, it might be part of a larger issue worth investigating.
Also Read: Gut Essentials Every Mom Should Know
What Other Condition Can Mimic Bowel Cancer Symptoms?
There can be other conditions that are not cancerous but can cause your stomach to make noises and show other symptoms that resemble colorectal cancer. These include:
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Often causes bloating, gas, and frequent changes in bowel habits.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis; may lead to abdominal pain, bleeding, and digestive distress.
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Food intolerances: Lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity can cause rumbling, cramps, and gas.
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Infections: Bacterial or parasitic infections may temporarily disturb gut function, resulting in odd noises.
This means if you’re dealing with persistent stomach activity along with other gastrointestinal symptoms, you should consult a doctor. He is the best person to rule out these more common conditions before considering cancer after tests.
Also read: How colostrum supports the gut microbiome.
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Bonus Tip: A Happy Gut, A Happy You!
Even if those stomach rumbles aren’t a red flag, keeping your gut in shape is always a win, for your digestion and your mood! Here’s your gut-friendly lifestyle checklist: ✔ Hydrate Like a Pro – Water keeps things moving smoothly through your system. Keep these habits handy, and your gut (and peace of mind) will thank you! |
Verdict: Should You Be Worried?
Stomach noises may not always be a sign of bowel cancer. So, if your stomach is making more noise than usual, don’t panic. In most cases, gurgling and rumbling are signs of a healthy, working digestive system. However, notice if these stomach sounds are accompanied by unexplained pain, changes in bowel habits, or signs of bleeding. These symptoms are worth paying attention to. It may be time for you to check with your doctor.
Trust your instincts. Your body often gives subtle signals before major problems arise. Being proactive, especially with routine screenings and digestive awareness, is the best way to protect your long-term health.
