Increased bowel sounds overview

Increased Bowel Sounds Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Increased Bowel Sounds from other Conditions
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapies
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Increased bowel sounds overview On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Increased bowel sounds overview All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Increased bowel sounds overview
CDC on Increased bowel sounds overview
Increased bowel sounds overview in the news
Blogs on Increased bowel sounds overview
Directions to Hospitals Treating Increased bowel sounds
Risk calculators and risk factors for Increased bowel sounds overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Increased (hyperactive) bowel sounds can sometimes be heard even without a stethoscope. Hyperactive bowel sounds mean there is an increase in intestinal activity. This can sometimes occur with diarrhea and after eating. Very high-pitched bowel sounds may be a sign of early bowel obstruction.

Causes

Most of the sounds heard in the stomach and intestines are due to normal digestion and are no need for concern. Many conditions can cause hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds. Most are harmless and do not need to be treated.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Complete history is critical in evaluation of the patient with increased bowel sounds.