How can I stop my stomach sounds?

How to Stop Stomach Sounds

Stomach sounds (borborygmi) are typically benign and result from normal intestinal motility, but if they're bothersome or associated with other symptoms, treatment should focus on identifying and addressing underlying causes such as excessive gas production, rapid intestinal transit, or functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Understanding the Cause

Stomach sounds alone are rarely pathological, but when they occur with other symptoms, consider:

• Excessive gas production from dietary factors, particularly foods that increase fermentation (carbonated beverages, high-FODMAP foods, lactose if intolerant) 1
• Rapid intestinal transit causing audible peristalsis, often associated with diarrhea or loose stools 1
• Functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where altered gut motility creates more audible bowel sounds 1
• Food intolerances (lactose, fructose) or carbohydrate enzyme deficiencies that increase intestinal gas and motility 2

Dietary Modifications (First-Line Approach)

Start with dietary changes, as these are the safest and most effective initial interventions:

• Eliminate carbonated beverages completely, as they introduce gas directly into the GI tract 1, 3
• Avoid gas-producing foods including beans, cruciferous vegetables, onions, and chewing gum 1
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals (4-6 meals daily) rather than large meals that stimulate vigorous peristalsis 1
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (≥15 times per bite) to reduce air swallowing (aerophagia) 1, 2
• Separate liquids from solids by waiting 15 minutes before meals and 30 minutes after to reduce gastric distention 1
• Consider a low-lactose or lactose-free diet if dairy consumption correlates with symptoms 1

When to Consider Pharmacologic Treatment

If dietary modifications fail after 2-4 weeks and symptoms significantly impact quality of life:

For Symptoms Suggesting IBS or Functional Disorder

• Antispasmodic medications (anticholinergics) can reduce intestinal motility and associated sounds, particularly when symptoms worsen after meals 1
• Loperamide (2-4 mg up to four times daily) if loose stools or diarrhea accompany the sounds 1
• Probiotics may help normalize gut flora and reduce gas production 1

For Associated Bloating or Distention

• Central neuromodulators (tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline) can reduce visceral hypersensitivity and the perception of intestinal activity 1
• Secretagogues (linaclotide, plecanatide) if constipation is present with bloating 1

What NOT to Do

Critical pitfalls to avoid:

• Do not start proton pump inhibitors unless there are specific GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation), as stomach sounds are not acid-related 2
• Do not ignore persistent symptoms lasting beyond 4 weeks with associated pain, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits—these warrant further evaluation 1
• Avoid unnecessary imaging initially; plain abdominal radiography is only indicated if bowel obstruction is suspected 1

When to Escalate Care

Seek further evaluation if stomach sounds are accompanied by:

• Severe or constant abdominal pain that impairs daily function 1
• Unintentional weight loss or changes in appetite 1
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation despite dietary modifications 1
• Blood in stool or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding 1

In these cases, consider evaluation for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease, or other structural pathology 1.

Behavioral Approaches

For patients where anxiety or stress exacerbates symptoms:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce symptom perception and improve coping with functional GI symptoms 1
• Stress management techniques including relaxation exercises may reduce symptom severity 1
• Symptom monitoring with a food diary helps identify specific triggers and patterns 1