Persistent Gurgling Sound in Upper Left Abdomen
Age: 29, Female, Asian Chinese Lifestyle: Non-smoker, non-drinker Medical Background: No familial diseases, diagnosed with Gilbert Syndrome. My journey began in April 2024. I discovered that I could deliberately produce a gurgling or sloshing sound from my upper left abdomen by flexing my stomach or through deep diaphragmatic breathing. This phenomenon occurs after each meal, and sometimes even before I’ve eaten anything at all. I experience a tight sensation on the left side, and engaging in this noise-making helps alleviate feelings of bloating and breathlessness. I consulted a gastroenterologist who reassured me that this occurrence was normal, attributing it to a combination of gas and fluid. However, I find this hard to accept, as I never experienced such issues prior to my diagnoses of chronic gastritis and inflammation of the esophagus. It feels as though there is a significant amount of trapped gas in my stomach. After successfully belching, the gurgling stops until the gas builds up again. A recent chest X-ray revealed a notably large gastric bubble. At times, I endure discomfort in the epigastric region or left abdomen, and I sometimes suffer from acid reflux after overeating. Furthermore, I have noticed that my appetite has diminished; I feel full after consuming only a small amount of food, and it seems as if the food isn't progressing properly through my system. My doctor suspects that I might be experiencing abdominophrenic dyssynergia and has referred me to a physiotherapist. I have completed biofeedback therapy, which has assisted with the distension, yet the sensations of bloating, indigestion, and the gurgling sound remain unresolved. Many others are encountering similar experiences, and we find ourselves puzzled about the underlying cause. I brought up the possibility of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) with my gastroenterologist, but he indicated that I lack the typical risk factors for it. I also underwent pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds, both of which yielded normal results. My blood tests returned normal, with the exception of elevated bilirubin levels associated with my Gilbert Syndrome diagnosis. I previously had slightly elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels last year but did not retest this year, and all ultrasound results are normal. Unfortunately, I am unable to share a video of my stomach noises due to an error message (code 429), but you can view my profile for a previous post where I demonstrated these stomach sounds on the Gastritis subreddit.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 4:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
Key Points: Gurgling sounds in the abdomen can be related to gas, fluid, and digestive function changes. While your gastroenterologist found it mostly normal, the discomfort you experience, including bloating and fullness, suggests further exploration is necessary.
Explanation: The gurgling sound and the tight sensation in your upper left abdomen after eating or during diaphragmatic breathing might stem from digestive processes, including the movement of gas and fluids through your stomach and intestines. Since you've been diagnosed with chronic gastritis and esophageal inflammation, these conditions could also contribute to these sensations. The large gastric bubble seen on X-ray might indicate trapped gas, which aligns with your feelings of discomfort and bloating.
Your mention of diminished appetite and early satiety may suggest that your digestive system is reacting in a way that is causing you to feel full even after small meals. Addressing how your body handles gas, digestion, and possibly muscular coordination in the digestive tract will be important.
Next Steps:
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Diet Modifications: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it impacts your symptoms. Consider reducing carbonated beverages, high-fat meals, and foods known to cause gas (like beans, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables) to see if this helps alleviate the gurgling and bloating.
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Eating Habits: Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones, and chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion. This might help manage your feelings of fullness and reduce discomfort.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as this can facilitate digestion and may help reduce gurgling sounds. Aim for around 8 glasses of water per day, adjusting based on your activity level and personal needs.
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Review Physiotherapy: Since you have been referred to a physiotherapist, continue engaging in biofeedback therapy and any other exercises they suggest, focusing on proper breathing techniques and abdominal muscle coordination.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep monitoring your symptoms closely, including any changes in your appetite, fullness, or discomfort. Note any relationships between your diet or activities and your symptoms.
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Communicate Updates: Keep an open line of communication with your gastroenterologist about any changes or persisting symptoms. If new symptoms arise or current symptoms worsen, consider discussing further evaluations for conditions like SIBO, even if you lack traditional risk factors.
This situation can be frustrating, but it's great that you're seeking to understand your body better. Your proactive approach is essential as you explore solutions. Please feel free to share any updates or specific concerns along the way!
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