10 body noises you never want to hear – including 'exploding head syndrome'
Our bodies sometimes make noises that we don't have any control over, but there are 10 specific sounds that we don't want to hear ourselves making – particularly at night.
Under normal circumstances these are involuntary and nothing to worry about. But there are tell-tale signs which could indicate something is wrong. It is therefore worth listening when your body squeaks and rumbles throughout the day and knowing what the sounds are actually trying to tell you.
Some weird noises mean and you need to see a doctor immediately others are less concerning. Examples include hearing a loud banging sound as you fall asleep, your heart thumping in your ears and pops and crackles in your joints.
1. Growling in your stomach
A natural assumption when you hear grumbles and gurgling in your stomach is that it is because of hunger. Known as borborygmi, these noises are a way of alerting you your stomach it wants a meal. But it may also growl after you've eaten. Harvard Health says this shows your intestines are sending liquid and food through your digestive tract.
William Chey, coeditor-in-chief of the American Journal Of Gastroenterology says the 'gastrointestinal tract' makes noisy contractions every few hours to clear out leftover debris between meals. It results in sounds which show your gut is doing its jobs and operating as it should. However, if normal stomach noises also bring pain, swelling or fever, it could mean a stomach infection and is time to see your doctor.
Cherished girl, 3, who spent half her life in hospital dies before surgery
2. Gasping at night
Snoring may not be ok with someone who is sharing your bed, but it is not a sign of something serious. Sudden gasping, or stopping breathing could mean you have sleep apnoea. This sleep disorder sees has the following symptoms including breathing stopping and starting, making gasping, snorting or choking noises, waking up a lot and loud snoring.
Signs you have the condition include feeling exhausted during the day despite a good rest. Sufferers may also find it difficult to concentrate and can wake up with a headache. The NHS says if you have any of these it's time to see your doctor.
The condition can also increase your likelihood of other conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and strokes.
3. Cracking ankles and knees
Popping and cracking in your knees and ankles can be a result of tendons snapping over joints. Shifts in fluids that pop gas bubbles and joints moving off track according to David Geier, director of sports medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. If you are experiencing pain swelling or locking in your joints or if feel like you can't exercise you should see a GP.
4. A whistling nose
If your nose whistles when you breathe, it normally means you're blocked up as the space in your nose gets narrower. But if this sounds start after an injury or vigorous nose-picking, it could be a perforated septum or a hole in the wall between the nasal passages and is worth seeing a doctor.
5. A clicking jawbone
Clicks and pops in your jawbone could mean the cartilage in your upper and lower jaw may be out of alignment according to James Van Ess, an assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He told Prevention the upper and lower jaw may be out of alignment.
There is no need to worry unless your jaw locks and won't open and close all the way. To prevent deterioration of symptoms sufferers should avoid gum and chewy foods and consider a mouth guard if they clench your jaw at night.
6. Ringing in your ears
If you suffer from a ringing or humming sound in one or both your ears which is not from an outside source it is likely to be tinnitus. which may come and go or be constant.
If it is regular and is affecting your sleep or concentration n you should see a health professional. It could be caused by ear infection or wax building up, but it could signal hearing loss.
7. Your heart is beating in your ears
A red flag should be waved if you suddenly start hearing your heart beating in your ears. Pulsatile tinnitus is caused by a change in blood flow in the vessels. This can occur when you're exercising strenuously or when you're pregnant. Tinnitus UK says it can also mean you have severe anaemia or have an overactive thyroid.
Doctor warns about using bath bombs and debunks intimate health myth in shower
Changes in blood flow, the charity says, can be caused by hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure or tumours in the head and neck. It advises anyone experiencing pulsatile tinnitus to be assessed by a doctor.
David Eisenman, a professor of head and neck surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine says it can signal amore serious health problem such as a stroke.
8. Clicking in your throat
A clicking sound in the throat can be indicator of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease that affect muscle control. Excess thyroid cartilage can cause this symptomy. Marshall Smith, a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, says you should see a doctor if you experience throat clicks when you swallow.
9. A loud bang as you fall asleep
If you are hear a loud bang as you fall asleep or wake up you have exploding head syndrome. A study review in 'Sleep Medicine Reviews' says those with the condition say it sounds like violent explosions, electric currents, clapping, fireworks and lightning These scary episodes last a second or two but it doesn't technically harm your health according to The Sleep Foundation.
10. Coughing and wheezing
Coughs and colds seem to be forever present in winter months and even in summer. If a wheezing sound emerges as you cough it could mean you hav and time to see a GP.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
