Abdominal sounds

Alternative names:

bowel sounds

Home care:

Consult your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

(Changes in bowel sounds are usually detected by your primary health care provider, nurse, or other health examiner.)

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. If there are signs of an actual or impending emergency condition, measures may be taken immediately to empty the bowel (decompression). A tube may be placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach or intestines (nasogastric tube) and attached to suction.

Usually no fluids or food are allowed by mouth, to allow the intestines to rest. Intravenous fluids are often needed. Medications may be given to reduce symptoms and to treat the cause (the specific medication depends on the situation). Surgery may be needed emergently in some cases.

Medical history questions concerning abdominal sounds may include:

• What other symptoms are also present?
• Have you noticed any abdominal pain?
• Have you noticed any diarrhea?
• Have you noticed any constipation?
• Have you noticed any abdominal distention?
• Have you noticed any excessive gas (flatus)?

Note: A finding of abnormal bowel sounds is usually discovered by the health care provider, and the affected person may or may not have been aware of its presence.

Careful abdominal examination will be performed. Temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure will probably be checked.

Diagnostic tests to determine the cause may include:

• various blood tests (CBC, blood chemistries, and similar tests)
• abdominal X-ray
• endoscopy (for example, an EGD)

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to a change in the bowel sounds to your personal medical record.