Most bowel sounds are normal. They simply mean that the gastrointestinal tract is working. A health care provider can check abdominal sounds by listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation). Most bowel sounds are harmless.

What is the normal range of bowel sounds?

Normal: Bowel sound consist of clicks and gurgles and 5-30 per minute. An occasional borborygmus (loud prolonged gurgle) may be heard.

What are the 4 types of bowel sounds?

Abdominal sounds may either be classified as normal, hypoactive, or hyperactive. Hypoactive, or reduced, bowel sounds often indicate that intestinal activity has slowed down. On the other hand, hyperactive bowel sounds are louder sounds related to increased intestinal activity.