What Those Strange Body Noises Mean

Whooshing in your ears

Whooshing that you hear when you're lying with your head on a pillow could be blood moving through your carotid artery and jugular vein, which run behind your ear. The sound becomes noticeable when external noise is blocked. Whooshing you hear 24/7 may be due to an infection or allergies. Congestion in your Eustachian tube, which connects your nose and throat to the middle ear, also muffles external sounds; it should clear on its own or with the help of an antibiotic or decongestant.
When to worry: Whooshing without obstructed hearing could mean a blood vessel blockage or abnormality.

Whistling in your nose

Whistling is a sign of airflow obstruction and may mean excess mucus is lining your nasal passages. Clear things out with a decongestant (if you've got a cold) or an antihistamine (for allergies).
When to worry: If you suffered a nasal trauma, whistling may indicate a tear in the cartilage between the nostrils, repairable by an ENT or plastic surgeon.

Sneezing

Sneezing may be triggered by anything from a virus to bright lights, which can stimulate a reflex response running from the brain to the diaphragm. Some sneezes are louder because of the volume of their lungs, size of their trachea or strength of their abs.
When to worry: Chronic attacks may require allergy testing.

Ringing in your ears

Ringing in one or both ears is known as tinnitus. Infections, aging and very loud noise can damage hair cells in the inner ear that translate sound waves into electrical signals. The result: your cochlea sends signals to the brain even when no sound waves come in.
When to worry: If a phantom sound lasts more than two days or is accompanied by pain or vertigo, see a doctor for tests to rule out infection or neurological issues.

Belching

Belching is the sound of air escaping your stomach. No surprise it’s usually a result of swallowing air. Reduce burps by not talking with your mouth is full, eating slowly and skipping carbonated drinks.
When to worry: Burps plus burning chest pain or a sore throat might be symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, which can be treated with medication.

Hiccups

Hiccups occur when your diaphragm spasms, causing an inhale that's abruptly stopped by the glottis (part of the larynx). The diaphragm is partially controlled by the nerves, which can be stimulated by excitement, nervousness, certain medication or stomach distention after a big meal. You might be able to halt them by holding your breath, which ramps up carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and may relax the diaphragm.
When to worry: If hiccups last longer than 48 hours, seek medical care to rule out nerve irritation or a central nervous system problem.

Rumbling in your gut

Rumbling or gurgling that seems to come from your belly is actually the sound of air and fluid as they're moved by muscles through the digestive tract. If you experience the noise on an empty stomach, it could mean your gut is sweeping out leftover debris or it's a signal that it's mealtime. When you're hungry, your brain sends a signal to your intestines that can stimulate the same activity.
When to worry: Experiencing high-pitched noises (with pain, cramping or nausea) with no bowel movement is a marker of partial bowel obstruction, which may require surgery.

Farting

Farting is often a melodious indicator that your gut flora are digesting high-fiber foods, like cruciferous veggies and beans. The by-products including methane, nitrogen and hydrogen gases are expelled through your rectum. Give your digestive system time to adjust to a fiber-rich diet. It's worth the wait: fiber has been linked to lower cholesterol, better bowel health and a slimmer waistline.
When to worry: Flatulence (with cramping and diarrhea) that occurs after you eat dairy could indicate lactose intolerance. Having these symptoms after drinking soda or fruit juice might point to a digestive disorder called fructose malabsorption. To check, try cutting out the offending foods for a week or two. Otherwise, flatulence is rarely something to worry about.

Your vagina queefing

Your vagina queefing (aka vaginal wind) is the sound of an air pocket being pushed out of your vagina. Air can get trapped up there when the vaginal opening closes during physical activity or sex, for example. Good old Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor may help keep air from getting into the vagina in the first place.
When to worry: If you notice a foul odor or find stool in your vagina, call your gyno right away. Both are signs of a rectovaginal fistula, a tear that links the rectum and vagina, which typically requires surgery to repair.

Your joints popping

Your joints popping and cracking are usually no biggie. Your joints are lubricated by fluid; when you squat or stand, the pressure in a healthy joint changes and the fluid may form bubbles that pop.
When to worry: If you have popping associated with pain, locking or instability, see your doctor. It could be a tendon or ligament rupture, a fracture or a cartilage injury.  Hear creaking with a grinding sensation? That might signal osteoarthritis, as cartilage starts to deteriorate. Anti-inflammatory meds and physical therapy can bring relief.

Conditions that require immediate attention:

Wheezing

Dial 911 if you can't catch your breath. Allergies, asthma or even congestive heart failure can cause the bronchi in your lungs to become inflamed and swollen. Heart failure may require hospitalization, while allergies and asthma can typically be treated with medication.

Snorting or gasping at night

Both are associated with sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway frequently collapses. Two other telltale signs: you snore and regularly feel tired during the day.  You should get tested by your Doctor and he may prescribe a CPAP machine for sleeping.

Whooping

People who have pertussis (or whooping cough) make this strange sound when they try to inhale through an inflamed airway following coughing spasms. Episodes are usually worse at night. The infection is highly contagious and is considered especially risky for children. All kids —and adults — should get the DTaP vaccine.