Why does my stomach keep making gurgling noises and why am I passing gas frequently?

Abdominal gurgling (borborygmi) accompanied by increased flatulence is a common gastrointestinal symptom that typically reflects normal digestive processes—but it can also signal underlying functional or structural issues. Borborygmi are the rumbling or growling sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluid through the intestines, driven by peristaltic contractions. When these sounds are more frequent or pronounced—and especially when paired with excessive flatus—it often indicates heightened intestinal motility, gas accumulation, or altered gut microbiota activity.

Common benign causes include dietary factors such as ingestion of fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, onions, dairy in lactose-intolerant individuals), carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol), or rapid eating leading to aerophagia (swallowing excess air). Functional gastrointestinal disorders—particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—frequently present with this combination of borborygmi, bloating, and flatus due to visceral hypersensitivity and dysregulated gut-brain axis signaling.

Less commonly, persistent or worsening symptoms may suggest conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or carbohydrate malabsorption syndromes (e.g., fructose or lactose intolerance). Red flag features warranting clinical evaluation include unintentional weight loss, nocturnal symptoms, rectal bleeding, anemia, fever, or a family history of colorectal cancer or IBD.

Initial management focuses on dietary modification (e.g., low-FODMAP trial under dietitian guidance), mindful eating habits, and stress reduction. If symptoms persist beyond 2–4 weeks despite conservative measures—or if alarm features are present—medical assessment is recommended. Diagnostic testing may include breath testing for SIBO or carbohydrate malabsorption, serologic screening for celiac disease, or endoscopic evaluation depending on clinical suspicion.