High-Pitched Bowel Sounds

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL

High-pitched bowel sounds, also known as borborygmi, are sounds produced by the movement of intestinal contents through the intestines. These sounds can become more prominent and higher in pitch in situations of intestinal hyperactivity, particularly when there is partial or complete intestinal obstruction.

This finding may indicate a variety of pathological conditions that require detailed clinical evaluation and, in many cases, urgent intervention. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for guiding appropriate management and preventing serious complications.

Pathology	Symptoms and Clinical Signs	Suspicion Diagnosis	Confirmatory Diagnosis
Small Bowel Obstruction	Colicky abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, high-pitched bowel sounds	Clinical history, physical examination, abdominal X-ray	Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal X-ray
Large Bowel Obstruction	Abdominal pain, distension, constipation, high-pitched bowel sounds	Clinical history, physical examination, abdominal X-ray	Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, contrast enema, colonoscopy
Strangulated Hernia	Severe abdominal pain, painful abdominal mass, nausea, vomiting, high-pitched bowel sounds	Clinical history, physical examination, abdominal ultrasound	Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal X-ray
Sigmoid Volvulus	Abdominal pain, distension, constipation, vomiting, high-pitched bowel sounds	Clinical history, physical examination, abdominal X-ray	Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, contrast enema, colonoscopy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome	Recurrent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bowel sounds	Clinical history, physical examination, diagnosis of exclusion	Functional tests, psychological evaluation, colonoscopy
Fecal Impaction	Abdominal pain, distension, severe constipation, high-pitched bowel sounds	Clinical history, physical examination, abdominal X-ray	Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, digital rectal exam, abdominal X-ray