What causes constant stomach rumbling?

Under normal circumstances, constant stomach rumbling refers to bowel sounds. These sounds may be caused by hunger, consumption of gas-producing foods, indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, or irritable bowel syndrome. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Hunger

In a state of hunger, the gastrointestinal tract increases peristalsis to search for food, leading to active bowel sounds. Eating appropriately in daily life can help reduce feelings of hunger.

2. Consumption of Gas-Producing Foods

Consuming excessive gas-producing foods—such as legumes, tubers, and carbonated beverages—can increase intestinal gas, resulting in noticeable noises during intestinal movement. It is advisable to reduce intake of such foods, increase dietary fiber, and promote gas expulsion.

3. Indigestion

Eating too quickly or consuming hard-to-digest foods may lead to indigestion. This condition causes abnormal gastrointestinal function, prolongs food retention in the intestines, and allows bacteria to break down food and produce large amounts of gas, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. It may be accompanied by bloating, nausea, and other symptoms. Treatment may include medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, Hawthorn pills, or Zhishi Daozhi pills, taken as directed by a physician.

4. Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is primarily caused by infection of the gastrointestinal mucosa by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. This condition damages the gastric mucosa, triggers inflammatory responses, accelerates intestinal peristalsis, and consequently produces audible bowel sounds. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and fever. Treatment should be guided by a physician using medications such as蒙脱石散 (Montmorillonite powder), Metronidazole tablets, or Levofloxacin Hydrochloride tablets.

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abnormal gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and psychological factors are all potential triggers of irritable bowel syndrome. The intestine becomes overly sensitive to stimuli, easily leading to accelerated peristalsis and increased bowel sounds. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Lactulose oral solution, Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, or Loperamide Hydrochloride capsules for treatment.

In daily life, one should maintain a balanced diet, avoid extreme hunger or overeating, reduce intake of gas-producing foods, and uphold healthy lifestyle habits to support intestinal health and minimize discomfort such as excessive bowel sounds.