From gas to gurgling, we unpack the strange sounds you might be making – and when to get checked out
WORDS: SAMANTHA WOOD. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Most of those slightly strange noises we all create are totally normal – just a bit embarrassing at times! However, those creaks, squeaks and rumbles could also be your body’s way of alerting you to something else that’s going on. So, is it time to stop worrying or should you see your GP? Here’s what you need to know.
Whistling nostrils
Temperature and humidity changes can cause your nose to sound extra musical at night. The good news? It’s rarely anything to worry about. ‘But it also could be nasal polyps lining the nasal passage,’ says Dr Sarah Jenkins (drsarahjenkins.co.uk). Clear things out with a decongestant for colds or antihistamine for allergies.
When to get help: If you’ve suffered a nasal trauma, the sound might indicate a tear in the cartilage.
Burping
Air and excess gas gets trapped under the diaphragm and, as it escapes, it causes a belching sound, says Dr Deborah Lee from doctorfox.co.uk. It’s totally normal, although frequent burping can signify digestive problems. Taking a short walk after eating helps to reduce gas build-up.
When to get help: If you also have chest pain, bloating and nausea, it could mean you’ve developed a hiatus hernia, common in women over the age of 50.
Clicking jaw
A clicking sound that is noisy and loud when you yawn or chew is common and can be caused by joint issues. ‘It may be that you have arthritis or wear-and-tear stresses as a result of chewing and grinding, but it’s not often serious – more annoying,’ says Dr Lee. Massage your jaw muscles during the day and consider a gum guard at night to ease grinding.
When to get help: If your jaw locks or if you have any accompanying symptoms, such as earache or tinnitus.
Creaky knees
Noisy when you bend or squat? ‘Sometimes it’s the cartilage rubbing over an area of uneven bone, there may be scar tissue in the joint, or you may be hearing the stretching of ligaments or tendons,’ says Dr Lee. Try strength and resistance exercises to help – search YouTube for free demos to follow.
When to get help: If it’s painful, hot and/or swollen or you’re experiencing locking, it could be an indicator of arthritis.
Ringing sounds
Known as tinnitus, hearing sounds in your ear ‘can be any sort of noi
