The stomach making loud gurgling noises and diarrhea often occur together, and diarrhea can make the stomach feel like it’s bubbling. However, these sounds can also be a sign of excess gas.
The main causes that can increase the amount of gas include using medications such as acarbose or orlistat, lactose intolerance (the sugar found in milk and dairy products, which can also be present in small amounts in some medications), stomach surgery (gastrectomy), excessive growth of intestinal bacteria, intestinal problems such as Crohn’s disease, and endurance sports like long-distance running.
Because there are many possible causes of loud stomach noises, it can be hard to tell exactly what is happening without an evaluation.
Pay attention if stomach noises are frequent, very loud, or last for a long time, especially when they occur together with symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain. In these cases, it is best to see a gastroenterologist, the specialist who can evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the stomach and intestines.