Increased bowel sounds overview

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

Increased (hyperactive) bowel sounds can sometimes be heard even without a stethoscope. Hyperactive bowel sounds means that 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.

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.

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

X-rays (flat and upright) are useful in evaluating the cause of increased bowel sounds.

Etiology is demonstrated best by abdominal CT scan.

Enteroclysis helps to determine the degree of obstruction.

Complete bowel obstruction usually requires surgical intervention.