Hunger pangs, sometimes called hunger pains, are feelings of hunger that arise when the body craves nutrition.

Hunger pangs typically are harmless and go away once you eat.

Symptoms include a stomach rumbling and a gnawing sensation in your stomach.

Woman looking in the fridge

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In some cases, a specialist known as agastroenterologistmay need to perform tests to help diagnose the cause.

The sensations may develop gradually, occur abruptly, or persist for a long period.

How the hunger pangs develop (and when) can give clues as to the underlying cause.

Physical symptoms of hunger pangs include:

Other symptoms may occur depending on the cause.

Examples include chronic diarrhea with IBS and celiac disease and sunken eyes and dry mouth with dehydration.

How to Manager Hunger

Hunger pangs are a sign your body needs to eat.

Ignoring the signs can cause headaches and weakness and affect your ability to focus and work.

However, if hunger pangs are persistent or abnormal in any way, speak with your healthcare provider.

You may be referred to a gastroenterologist who specializes in disorders of the GI tract.

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