Abdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.
Abdominal sounds (bowel sounds) are made by the movement of the
intestines as they push food through. Since the intestines are
hollow, bowel sounds can echo through the abdomen much like the
sounds heard from water pipes. Most bowel sounds are harmless
and simply mean that the gastrointestinal tract is working. A
doctor can check abdominal sounds by listening to the abdomen
with a stethoscope (auscultation). Although most bowel sounds
are normal, there are some instances in which abnormal bowel
sounds provide valuable information about the health of the
body. Ileus is a condition in which there is a lack of
intestinal activity. Many medical conditions may lead to ileus.
It is important to evaluate it further because gas, fluids, and
the contents of the intestines can build up and break open
(rupture) the bowel wall. The doctor may be unable to hear any
bowel sounds when listening to the abdomen. Reduced (hypoactive)
bowel sounds include a reduction in th