Khaberni - Sometimes our body surprises us with strange and unexpected sounds; from hiccups, to joint cracking, nose whistling, stomach growling, and even «whispering» sounds inside the ear. Despite most of these sounds being annoying and giving us a feeling of losing control, experts assure that most of them are normal and not worrying, unless they persist for long periods or are accompanied by pain or other symptoms.
According to the site express, specialists explain the scientific reasons behind these sounds, and when they should be attended to.
Hiccups
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm – the thin muscle below the rib cage responsible for breathing movement – spasms suddenly. With this spasm, the vocal cords suddenly close during exhalation, producing the distinctive sound of hiccups.
The diaphragm is controlled by a pair of nerves known as the phrenic nerve, which transmits signals from the brain to the lower abdomen. When the stomach swells due to drinking carbonated beverages or eating large amounts fast, this may cause pressure that irritates these nerves, leading to hiccups.
British pharmacist George Sando says, «Most hiccups are harmless and disappear within minutes or a few hours, but he warns that hiccups continuing for more than 48 hours are not normal, and might indicate irritation in the stomach or esophagus, or a problem with the nerves controlling the diaphragm, which requires medical consultation».
Joint Cracking
Cracking of the fingers or joints occurs inside the joint capsule, which contains synovial fluid akin to egg white, helping the bones to move smoothly. Within this fluid, dissolved gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide are present.
When the joint is stretched or extended more than usual, the space between the bones widens, creating a vacuum that pulls these gases out of the fluid, forming bubbles that burst causing the cracking sound.
A study conducted by the University of California in 2015, using ultrasound imaging, showed that the sound is indeed due to the bursting of these gas bubbles.
Physical therapist Tim Allardice confirms that a joint cannot be «cracked» again until 20 to 30 minutes have passed, allowing the gases to gather again.
He adds, «Joint cracking is common and typically not a cause for concern, but if it is accompanied by pain, one should consult a doctor or a physical therapist».
Nose Whistling
Although whistling is often associated with the lips, the nose can emit a sharp sound during breathing, especially when suffering from a cold, where mucus accumulation narrows the nasal passages, making the air vibrate within them.
However, it might be caused by a small hole in the nasal septum due to repeated picking of the nose or inhaling certain drugs.
Otolaryngology consultant Dr. David How explains, «Damage to the tissues nourishing the nasal septum may lead to the formation of small holes that do not heal by themselves».
In annoying cases, a minor surgical intervention can be done to slightly enlarge the hole to reduce the whistling sound, but if it is not bothersome, typically it does not pose a health risk.
Stomach Growling
While many believe that stomach growling only signifies hunger, the reality is more complex. Pharmacist George Sando clarifies that these sounds are mostly emitted from the intestines, not just the stomach, resulting from the movement of gases and liquids during the contraction of digestive muscles.
These sounds increase when there is more gas or liquids than usual, or if the person suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, is exposed to stress and anxiety, or has a mild intestinal infection.
He adds, «Stress and anxiety directly affect intestinal movement, as the digestive system is highly sensitive to stress hormones».
Ear «Whispering» Sound
The sound similar to rushing or whispering inside the ear is often caused by blood flow in arteries and veins near the ear, such as the carotid artery. This sound appears clearly when lying down or standing up suddenly.
It may also occur due to earwax blockage, colds, or sinus infections, a condition known as Eustachian tube dysfunction, which generally resolves within a few weeks without intervention.
Most of the strange sounds our body makes are normal and do not necessitate worry, but they become an important indicator when they are: persistent for long periods, accompanied by pain, unusually frequent, and then, experts advise not to ignore them and seek medical advice for reassurance.
