Abdominal sounds

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Bowel sounds

Call your health care provider if you experience any symptoms such as:

• Bleeding from your rectum
• Nausea
• Prolonged diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. You may be asked:

• What other symptoms do you have?
• Have you noticed any abdominal pain?
• Have you noticed any diarrhea?
• Have you noticed any constipation?
• Have you noticed any abdominal distention?
• Have you noticed any excessive or absent gas (flatus)?
• Have you noticed any bleeding from the rectum or black stools?

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Depending on the findings of your physical exam, the doctor may order more tests. Tests may include:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal x-ray
• Blood tests
• Endoscopy

If there are signs of an emergency, you will be sent to the hospital. A tube will be placed through your nose or mouth into the stomach or intestines. This empties the contents of your intestines. Usually, you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything so your intestines can rest. You will be given fluids through a vein (intravenously).

You may be given medication to reduce symptoms and to treat the cause of the problem. (The specific medication depends on the situation.) Some people may need surgery right away.

Review Date: 10/30/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).