12 Weird Sounds Your Body Makes, And What They're Trying To Tell You

Health | Did You Know

12 Weird Sounds Your Body Makes, And What They're Trying To Tell You

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As we get older, we get used to hearing a lot of unusual sounds from our bodies.

They pop, click, and gurgle whenever we have to move around, which can be a little embarrassing and annoying.

But with so many noises, it can be hard to sort out the dangerous ones from the simply annoying.

Here are 12 of the most common noises, and what to do if you hear them.

1. Popping joints

If it sounds like you're making popcorn when you stand up, there's nothing to worry about - you're just getting old. As long as your popping joint doesn't hurt, it's perfectly healthy.

Our joints are full of a cushioning liquid called Synovial fluid. When we move, air bubbles in the fluid pop.

The noise is especially common in the neck or shoulder, because of our bone structure.

The noise is also the same one you hear when you "crack" your knuckles. And yes, that habit is harmless too.

Daniel Max - Flickr

2. A Rumbling Stomach

We always say this means that you're hungry, but that's only half right.

The growling noise is caused when air and fluids are pushed out your digestive tract. The same movement just triggers when we're feeling hungry.

If you notice the sound while experiencing constipation or cramps, it could be a sign of something more serious.

3. "Windy" Ears

When you lay your head down on a pillow, you can probably hear a "whooshing" sound. This is the sound of blood pumping through the veins and arteries of your ear.

Now, if you notice the same sound when you're sitting or standing, you may have a problem. It could be a sign of an ear infection, or allergies, so see a doctor.

4. Snorting And Gasping In Your Sleep

Like snoring, these noisy outbursts could be caused by sleep apnea, or when your airway collapses as you're lying down.

If you feel tired on days after your partner complains about the noise, it might be time to see a sleep specialist.

5. Hiccups

Of course we've all heard of hiccups, but some people are really plagued by the annoying condition.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to cure these diaphragm spasms. Most involve tickling the back of your throat (say with honey, or sugar) to "rest" upset nerves.

Controlling your breathing will help too.

6. A Whistling Nose

You can probably guess that a stray booger usually causes this annoying sound, but sometimes it's more serious.

Mojpe - Pixabay

Congestion caused by allergies or an infection can make a blockage that whistles when you breathe. But a tear inside you nostril will too.

If the whistling starts after a recent head injury, and lasts for days or hurts, get it checked out.

7. Ringing Ears

Also known as tinnitus, this condition is sadly very common in older patients. The noise is created by an organ of your inner ear called the cochlia, which can be damaged by loud noises, aging, or infections.

There are a number of household cures for the condition, but some cases are more severe. If you feel dizzy or sick when you hear the ringing, see a doctor.

8. A Popping Jaw

It can be frightening to hear your mouth "pop" when you open it, but this is actually quite common.

The hinge of your mouth - called the tempomandibular joint - can get out of alignment, but will usually reset itself.

If you notice your jaw is constantly popping, and your teeth hurt in the morning, you might be grinding them in your sleep. This is easily treated with a mouth guard.

9. A Queef

Queef is the not-so-scientific term for "vaginal wind." This fart-like noise is created when air is trapped inside the body by movement, usually exercise.

There's no biological cause of the sound, so nothing to worry about. But if the "wind" smells foul, you should see a doctor.

10. Throat Gurgling

Sometimes you open your mouth to speak and a really embarrassing, squelching noise comes out. While it sounds different, this is caused by the same effect as a burp.

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Eating too fast, chewing gum, or drinking soda will cause a gurgle. But if you notice you're gurgling constantly, and having trouble swallowing, a condition may be affecting your throat.

11. Creaking Joints

Unlike popping joints, there's reason to worry about a persistent, creaking noise.

As we age, the cartilage surrounding our joints shrinks, which can create a creaking sound. It may also be a sign of osteoarthritis.

If the sound is accompanied by an uncomfortable, grinding feeling, you should see a doctor.

12. A "Whining" Cough

If a cough is followed by a long whine or wheezing sound, it means your airway is irritated or closing. It's normally a sign of asthma, but also a serious sign of whooping cough.

This disease that was once rare in America is making a comeback, so learn to recognize the distinct sound of the condition.

How many of these noises do you deal with on a daily basis?

[H/T: RD]

I write about all sorts of things for Shared, especially weird facts, celebrity news, and viral stories.