Burps are common in all people, but sulfur burps are caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas in the stomach. Such burps give an unpleasant smell similar to rotten eggs.
In simple terms, a burp is a way of releasing excess gas in the body. Sometimes this gas enters through the mouth, while it occurs when bacteria break down the food at other times. If you eat or drink really fast, then also it allows air to enter the mouth. Alternatively, chewing gum or even smoking can cause excess air to enter the body.
Through the burp, the body releases this excess air from it. Approximately the body releases gas like this as much as 23 times daily.
If you wonder what causes sulfur burps, then mentioned above are some reasons for such conditions. There may be some more reasons that can cause sulfur burps.
Causes of Sulfur Burps
Most burps are accompanied by the smell of the food that has been consumed in the day or the item that is causing it. Some that release oxygen or carbon dioxide have no smell at all.
In sulfur burps, the smell is like that of a rotten egg which is also hydrogen sulphide.
These burps are not serious when taken singularly, but if it is a series of burps that takes place daily or you have been suffering from it for some time, then consulting a doctor might be necessary.
The reason behind these smelly burps can either be a developing illness,
- Digestive problem is one of the major issues causing sulfur burps. Some of the conditions include indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer, gastritis, giardia infection, and irritable bowel syndrome. These may cause acid reflux in the stomach or create gas which comes up as sulfur burps.
- Some food items like beer or those containing high protein often cause these burps. Also, sometimes bacteria succeed in breaking down the food which can also lead to the production of sulfur burps. The bacteria usually come from the gastrointestinal tract and the oral cavity. The presence of certain bacteria like the H. pylori can also lead to heartburn, bloating, and these burps.
- The consumption of certain food items creates gas inside the body. These food items include:
1. fatty foods
2. items containing lactose
3. vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
4. items rich in high fibre
5. onions and garlic - Lifestyle and other reasons responsible for causing rotten egg burps include anxiety, pregnancy, stress, food poisoning, overeating, drinking carbonated liquids, smoking, using a straw while drinking, loose dentures, eating hard candies, eating too fast or speaking while eating, and prescription drugs.
How to Know When to See a Doctor?
Burps and passing excess gas is a normal phenomenon. But if the amount is excessive and includes other symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain, you should consider speaking to a doctor.
The sulfur burps might be accompanied by chest pain, aches in the digestive tract, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, fever and diarrhoea. These can be symptoms of diseases developing inside you quietly.
Treating Sulfur Burps
The treatment of foul rotten egg smell includes lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and medicines.
- Your doctor is likely to suggest over-the-counter antacids and other medicines to control the condition. If the symptoms persist then your physician will surely suggest further course of action.
- The dietary changes will include the exclusion of certain food items like vegetables, fried food items, etc.
- If you have the habit of chewing with your mouth open then that also has to be changed.
- Other behavioural changes include smoking, eating fast, chatting and eating, smoking, using chewing gum, etc.
- Artificial sweeteners in food items can also create gas.
- If you are lactose intolerant then do not eat many dairy products.
- You should also start working out on a regular basis because it helps in proper digestion and elimination of gastric problems.
- Drinking your daily water requirement is necessary. It helps in eliminating foul breathe in the mouth and also protects your stomach from the bacteria. In case you are eating a sulfur-rich diet or a heavy meal of proteins it is best to have a glass of water to dilute the effect of the meal.
- Different kinds of tea like green tea, chamomile tea, and peppermint tea are extremely useful for digestion. All the above-mentioned three are useful for reducing the amounts of burps. Green tea is especially useful for removing toxins from the body. Peppermint tea is very useful for controlling bad breath while Chamomile tea is effective for increasing your immunity.
- Manuka honey: This is a special kind of honey that is collected from tea trees. It is effective in destroying bacteria like E Coli, salmonella typhimurium, Enterobacter aerogenes, and S. aureus. If you are suffering from IBS then it can be extremely useful.
- Apple cider vinegar: This type of vinegar is used by some people to treat digestive problems. It helps in controlling the growth of the gut bacteria.
- Baking soda: Sodium bicarbonate is used quite frequently as a home-based remedy for digestive problems like ulcer pain, heart burn, and bad breath. Drinking water mixed with a bit of baking soda can be helpful for getting rid of the foul-smelling burps.
- Consume fewer trigger foods: Trigger foods, as the name suggests, are food items that can cause sulfur burps. This usually varies from one person to another. People with lactose intolerance should not consume the same. Some people also get sulfur burps after eating broccoli, garlic, etc.
- Avoid alcohol: Consuming excessive alcohol can be one of the reasons for burps that smell of rotten eggs. This is because alcohol hampers food digestion leading to acid reflux which is the source of the sulfur burps. Therefore, in order to control this condition, it is necessary to cut down on your alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
Leading a healthy lifestyle requires everything in moderation. So, make some space for healthy food and a bit of exercise in your life in an otherwise busy and stressful schedule.
