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Sometimes sounds come from our body that are not entirely pleasant to us. There’s nothing worse than, in a moment of complete silence—for example in a church or in a theater—getting the hiccups or having your stomach start to growl. But there’s no point in explaining it to anyone, because it can happen to anyone. It’s better to understand how our bodies actually work.
You can be surprised by hiccups or stomach growling
Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. It repeats several times a minute. In that case the larynx suddenly closes as air rushes into the lungs, producing strange noises. Hiccups appear when someone eats or drinks too quickly or breathes badly. They are also caused by excessive alcohol consumption, carbonated drinks, overeating, stress, or sudden temperature changes. However, hiccups can signal serious illnesses, such as:
- Cancer
- Infection
- Stroke
- Problems with the nervous system
If hiccups trouble you for a longer time, try holding your breath for ten seconds, then drink some cold water and take a teaspoon of sugar.
You surely know someone who regularly cracks their knuckles, twists their ankles, or their neck. If you do it, you are not necessarily setting yourself up for arthritis. This sound comes from the movement of fluid between two bones. A vacuum forms and synovial fluid rushes in. This popping sound is harmless, but if your fingers hurt, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
Stomach growling is mainly caused by hunger, but it can also be triggered by consuming too many sweet foods. The sound is caused by the moving gastrointestinal tract; these muscular contractions help break down food. Just eating a little will prevent the rumbling in your belly.
Is your ear ringing? You may have an infection
Ear ringing mainly occurs before falling asleep at night; it can indicate hearing loss. You may not have known about it or noticed that you have a hearing problem. It can be caused by an infection, a large amount of earwax, an injury, but also be careful—you might have some kind of tumor. This problem is worsened by consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, stress, and smoking. If you have whistling or ringing in your ear for a long time, consult a specialist.
