What causes Sulfur Burps? Can I get Sulfur Burps from an Endoscopy?

Burping is expelling of the air and other gases from the stomach through your mouth. Sulfur burps are those which smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. The smell comes from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas which is present in sulfur proteins. Sulfur proteins are present in some foods and emitted after they are broken down in the small intestine or stomach by sulfur reducing microbes.

Foods that contain sulfur include poultry, red meats, dairy products (specially milk),vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, watercress, yams, cabbage, onions, pack choi, mustard, parsley, onions, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, tomatoes), legumes( peas, beans, soy, lentils, jicama, carob, alfalfa), avocadoes, bananas, watermelon, grain, nuts, seeds, tea and coffee, amino acids, whey proteins, Vitamins B1 and H. Certain medication may also contain sulfur.

• Medical reasons: The most serious and common cause are Helicobacter Pylori or Giardia. Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium that causes chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, abdominal bloating, burping and heartburn. This can be diagnosed by a urea breath test and treated with antibiotics. Giardia is a one cell parasite that causes bloating, diarrhea, and foul smelling burps. Poor hygiene, unclean water sources and oral-fecal transmissions are ways these infections can enter the body. Sulfur burps could be a symptom of either infection.
• Food reasons: The foods listed above all contain sulfur. This is also true for high protein diets. Acidity builds up when the stomach takes longer to process and expel a high protein meal. A chemical reaction occurs which creates hydrogen sulfide. This is also the reason why the body may feel bloated. The burps disappear once the hydrogen sulfide and protein is expelled.
• Prescription Medication: These may also cause sulfur burps. The prescription label will list the ingredients. If any contain sulfur you will have found the reason behind the sulfur smell of your burps.
• Other diseases: These include SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). This is when normal intestinal bacteria overgrows and causes burping, bloating, diarrhea or flatulence. SIBO may also be present in fructose malabsorption or lactose intolerance. In other diseases like Crohn's disease and celiac disease, food may not be digested completely and can be broken down by sulfur reducing bacteria that result in the production of hydrogen sulfide.

If you suffer from both sulfur burps and gas you may have a gallbladder or small intestinal problem. In this case, an endoscopy can be carried out to determine the cause. However, an endoscopy is not known to aggravate the condition.

Submitted by M T on July 24, 2013 at 11:36

How does one get rid of sulfur burps?

Sulfur burps are a foul smelling release of gas from a person's mouth. There are various reasons why one can suffer from this condition.

A person having bad eating habits can be one of the reasons for this condition. It can also be brought about by the consumption of certain kinds of medication. It can also be the result of an intestinal infection. If the person gets these sulfur burps along with vomiting and diarrhea, then they would need medical attention as these could be an indication of a serious internal infection.

But if these sulfur burps are not accompanied by nausea or diarrhea then one can try some simple home remedies to help get rid them. These include avoiding any kind of carbonated drinks or beverages.

Some of the recommended foods to eat to get rid of sulfur burps include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. One should also avoid certain other foods and food products like candies, cakes and ice cream. Avoid drinking alcohol in excessive amounts and also reduce on one's smoking habits. Foods like eggs that are high in proteins should also be avoided.

Submitted by N S on July 22, 2013 at 11:59

What causes sulphur smelling burps?

A sulfur burp is when gas is dispelled from a person's mouth, like a belch, and is accompanied by a strong, foul odor. This odor is similar to the smell of rotting eggs or to the foul smell of sulfur.

There are largely three reasons why this condition can arise. These include food reasons, medical reasons and certain prescription medications which can all give rise to sulfur smelling burps.

The medical causes of sulfur smelling burps are found to be the most common reason for the occurrence of this condition. When a person suffers from a gastrointestinal disorder there are chances that it may give rise to sulfur smelling burps.

There are also certain foods that can give rise to this condition. These include those foods that are high in proteins like meats and eggs. Hence it is recommended that one avoid these foods when suffering from this problem.

Avoiding aerated beverages and alcoholic beverages is also recommended. Certain over the counter prescription drugs can also cause this condition to escalate. It is advisable that one seek medical assistance in these cases.

Submitted by N S on July 19, 2013 at 02:24