It is quite common for people to burp especially after eating or consuming a beverage. However, if at times, these burps are accompanied by a foul smell such as that of a rotten egg. This is what is termed as a sulfur burp and the smell is that of hydrogen sulfide gas. Burps forms a part of the digestive process through which gases produced in the stomach are released.[1]
In most cases, it is usually excess air that enters through the mouth while eating food. Drinking carbonated beverages like beer or soft drinks also causes a lot of burping. In some instances, an individual burps when some bacteria break down the food. Smokers and people who have a habit of chewing gum have frequent burping episodes.[1]
Burping is completely harmless which simply indicates that there is excessive air in the stomach. However, when burping is accompanied by a foul odor from the mouth known as Sulfur Burps then it may indicate some problem with the digestive process. What exactly causes Sulfur Burps and how to deal with it is what has been discussed in the article below.[1]
What Causes Sulfur Burps?
Mostly, when a person burps it is the smell of the food that he or she has ingested recently. However, in cases of Sulfur Burps, there is a foul order of rotten eggs that comes out of the mouth of the person. This is the smell of hydrogen sulfide gas. The primary causes of Sulfur Burps include.[1]
Food: This is the most common cause for a person to have Sulfur Burps. Hydrogen sulfide gas is produced when the bacteria present in the oral cavity and in the stomach start breaking down the food ingested. If the individual has been eating food that is rich in proteins and having beer then there is a high probability of the bacteria breaking this down producing the gas.[1]
Gastrointestinal Problems: This is yet another common cause for Sulfur Burps. Medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and GERD causes the gasses produced in the stomach to rise up the esophagus and get eliminated in the form of burps which has a foul odor. The H. Pylori bacterium causes infection in the upper GI tract resulting in heartburn, bloating, and Sulfur Burps.[1]
Some of the medical conditions that have been associated with Sulfur Burps include certain medications, food poisoning, anxiety, increased stress, and in some cases even pregnancy.[1]
How Are Sulfur Burps Treated?
The best way to get rid of Sulfur Burps is to make dietary modifications, especially in cases where there is a confirmed diagnosis of a gastrointestinal disorder. A change in diet results in eliminating the gasses that cause Sulfur Burps. Some of the ways to get rid of this condition include.[1]
Green/Herbal Tea: This form of tea aids in faster digestion of food. They also act as toxin removers and boost overall health of an individual. The best form of herbal tea is the peppermint and chamomile tea which promotes digestion and helps in getting rid of Sulfur Burps. Green tea, peppermint and chamomile tea all are available easily in the market.[1]
Water: This is perhaps the best way to get rid of Sulfur Burps. Drinking adequate amounts of water all through the day and even drinking some extra gets rid of foul odor and eliminates Sulfur Burps. It is advised to drink a glass of water just before a heavy meal to promote digestion of food and prevent Sulfur Burps.[1]
Manuka Honey: This is an excellent remedy to get rid of Sulfur Burps. The medicinal properties of Manuka Honey eliminate infectious bacteria like E. coli, staph aureus, and Salmonella. It also promotes digestion and gets rid of Sulfur Burps.[1]
Baking Soda: This is an excellent remedy to get rid of many digestive problems including Sulfur Burps. Baking Soda is made from sodium bicarbonate and is excellent to treat heartburn, stomach ulcers, and foul odor from the mouth. A small amount of baking soda mixed with normal drinking water is ideal to treat Sulfur Burps.[1]
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is also a natural remedy to get rid of Sulfur Burps. Apple Cider Vinegar aids in digestion and treats a variety of digestive issues. It has acetic acid in it that prevents overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach. Just having a spoon of Apple Cider Vinegar is enough to treat various digestive problems and even get rid of Sulfur Burps.[1]
In some cases, Sulfur Burps may be indicative of some other underlying medical condition and thus a consultation with a physician is required. Based on the other symptoms experienced, the physician will prescribe certain tests to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan.[1]
The physician may recommend the patient to take some over the counter antacids to decrease the production of gases that cause Sulfur Burps. Thus it is recommended to consult a physician if Sulfur Burps do not improve even after the above mentioned dietary changes are made or if there are other symptoms observed along with Sulfur Burps.[1]
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