Stomach growling is driving me crazy

Hi everyone.
So, I’ve been dealing with this constant, annoying stomach rumbling lately. It doesn't matter if I've just eaten or if I'm starving... it just happens. I went to see my doctor, who ordered a bunch of tests—bloodwork, urine, stool samples, an abdominal ultrasound—and everything came back perfectly normal. But it doesn't feel normal to me. It’s starting to get to my head... especially when I'm in quiet places like a lecture hall or a church service, just waiting for the noise to start.
I'm a college student, and it's honestly mortifying when my stomach starts acting up during a lecture or an exam and everyone turns to look at me.
I've tried everything—peppermint tea, sticking to still water, cutting out coffee, watching my diet as much as possible... nothing seems to work. If anyone has dealt with this or knows how to make it stop, I'd appreciate the help. I can't be the only one going through this...

Thanks for any insight.

Best,

If you spend all day buried in books without getting up much, you’re really going to have to get moving. It can lead to what people call "lazy bowel syndrome."

True, I spend quite a bit of time studying and sitting... though not constantly...
What would we expect from people working in offices and stuff? If they don't move for a few hours, they just sit there...
I'm not sure if that's actually an issue?!
Anyway, I constantly feel bloated, like I'm filled with air!!
My stomach is driving me crazy... ugh!!

I can't believe I'm not getting any actual advice or even a decent comment here...
Whatever, it doesn't matter. Thanks anyway for the "help"!!

Best,

I’m dealing with those exact same issues, so you’re definitely not alone in this. I honestly have no clue what the underlying cause is, but it is incredibly frustrating when it hits. 😠 😈 😬 🙂 😕
My friends sometimes try to joke about it, saying things like, "Oh, look, your inner beast is acting up again," which doesn't exactly help.

That sounds like classic bloating. It’s basically just too much gas building up in your system. You really ought to keep an eye on what you're eating. 🙂

Honestly...
Bloating is definitely on the table.
I did some digging because I didn't really have a name for it before, and it makes sense. My stomach swells up like I’ve swallowed an elephant even after a tiny snack. But nothing I read mentions this constant, nonstop gurgling...
Being a college student, I mostly just eat whatever is available, but since this started, I’ve been watching what I eat and trying to chew everything thoroughly. Still, no real change.
If anyone could suggest what to eat—or what to avoid...
I also forgot to mention the frequent trips to the bathroom. It feels like my bladder is about to burst, but there's barely anything there. Once I finally go, the gurgling stops for a bit. That wouldn't be related to the prostate, would it? Hopefully not...
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Angela Diaz11 said:Seriously though!!
Bloating is definitely a possibility too!

Hmm, I'm not entirely sure how the bloating kicks in—maybe it's just part of it—but I'd suggest trying some antacids. They help settle the stomach acid. Maybe give them a shot for a few days and see how you feel.

Hi there.
Not exactly a thrilling topic, I know, but it’s been weighing on me lately...
I was catching up with a friend yesterday, and they suggested picking up some Tylenol or Pepcid.
As far as I understand, those are for heartburn and similar issues, so if anyone could shed some light on them, I’d appreciate it.
I’m feeling pretty skeptical about Pepcid, though. Even if my doctor prescribes it, I’ve read about the potential side effects and I'm just not sure how "beneficial" it actually is for the system... wondering if it will even help much. Of course, I’ll need to see a doctor before taking anything. But I'd love to hear if anyone here has firsthand experience with them.
Thanks for any input or advice.

Best,

One should certainly avoid taking Pepcid without a physician's prescription, as there is a specific reason it requires one. Tylenol is generally less concerning
however, I suspect your issue might have a psychogenic component. You mentioned the urge to urinate, yet it doesn't seem triggered by a full bladder. It feels like discomfort, but tell me, do you ever experience nocturnal enuresis (essentially wetting the bed) 😁
and does it tend to flare up during those moments when you actually require silence and calm
It might be worth seeking advice from a psychologist...

No, I definitely wasn't suggesting taking anything without a prescription. Not at all.
I was just looking for some insight on those pills, especially since my doctor thinks this might be stress or diet-related. He isn't giving me much of a solution, though... and I tried what he suggested, but it didn't really do much.
By the way, it’s not just when it’s quiet—I just used that as an example of how awkward it gets when your stomach starts growling in a silent room. No, I'm not wetting the bed, but it does wake me up early, maybe around 5:00 AM, so I have to head to the bathroom.
As for it being psychosomatic, it's possible, though nothing has really changed in my life over the last few years to make things more or less stressful. My diet hasn't changed either; I eat the same things now as I always have, and it never caused issues before.
It first happened back when I was scrambling to finish my last prerequisite for college... I had to get it turned in early because I just couldn't take the tension anymore, and ever since then, the rumbling hasn't stopped.
Fine, maybe it was just nerves affecting my head... but I don't understand why it's still lingering.
I honestly don't know what else to try to make it stop. It's incredibly irritating... I can't even focus during my lectures, just sitting there waiting for them to end.

Ah...

It’s really just about getting more fiber in—you know, things like bran, oats, or whatever else works for you...

To sounds like anxiety to me, especially that part about constantly feeling like you need to use the restroom when you don't actually have to.
Maybe take a moment to reflect on what’s truly weighing on you lately.
You mentioned you've been studying; perhaps the stress from your upcoming finals is hitting you harder than you realize.