"Stomach noises" are generally due to the
turbulent passage of intestinal waste
through the intestines. Turbulence occurs
when gases are present in the intestines
and/or when intestinal waste moves
quickly. Intestinal peristaltic action
(the natural contraction of the organ) can
become stronger and thereby increase the
speed at which waste moves through the
intestines. Intestinal peristaltic action
is, in fact, a series of rhythmic
contractions of the smooth musculature
that moves waste toward expulsion from the
body (defecation). Intestinal waste in the
small intestines is always liquid. But as
the waste moves toward the anus, more and
more water is absorbed through the body's
tissues and in the rectum the resulting
stools are of a soft consistency that is
not entirely liquid in nature. If
intestinal peristalsis is too strong, then
the food waste moves so fast that there is
not enough time to absorb the water;
that’s why stools become liquidy
(diarrhea). Strong peristalsis also
manifests with abdominal cramps. Stomach
noises are not a sign of ulcerative
colitis. Ulcerative colitis usually
manifests with mucous diarrhea containing
blood.
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