What Causes Sulfur Burps—and How Can You Get Rid of Them?
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Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD
Sulfur burps are burps that have a foul, rotten egg smell. They happen when there's a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas in the digestive system, usually as a result of eating foods high in sulfur, taking certain medications, or experiencing a digestive disorder.
While sulfur burps typically aren't a cause for concern, it's possible to alleviate this bothersome symptom with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle tweaks.
Sulfur Burps Symptoms
Because burping is a part of the digestive process, it often comes along with other digestive-related symptoms. In addition to burps that smell like sulfur, you may also notice:
Causes of Sulfur Burps
When you burp, gas is brought up from the stomach and out through the mouth. This happens when there's an excessive amount of air that's lingering in the digestive tract.
With sulfur burps specifically, the foul smell is created by hydrogen sulfide gas, which is a chemical that's created through the digestive process. There are several different reasons why this might occur.
Diet
Certain foods and drinks commonly contribute to sulfur burps. This is particularly true for foods that naturally contain a higher amount of sulfur. Foods high in sugar, starch, and fiber can also be a trigger.
Some of the common foods that can cause sulfur burps include:
Protein-rich foods like chicken, beef, or fish
Dairy products like whole milk and cheese
Eggs
Vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions
Beans
Soft drinks and other carbonated beverages
Medications
Medications that impact the digestive system can prompt sulfur burps. This can happen in a couple of different ways.
For example, drugs that slow down the digestive process often cause food to linger in the stomach for a longer amount of time—making it more likely that hydrogen sulfide gas gets released as bacteria break down the food. This can include painkillers like opioids, and type 2 diabetes treatment drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic).
Other medications can disrupt the balance of good and bad natural bacteria in the gut, which provides an environment for hydrogen sulfide gas to live and thrive. These medications can include antibiotics (especially repeated use) and drugs used to treat diabetes, like metformin (Riomet).
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can trigger sulfur burping.
In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the esophagus (a tube connecting the stomach to the throat) doesn't function properly, allowing stomach acid and gas to move back up through the digestive tract and out of the mouth. Another gastrointestinal condition known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also causes excess gas in the digestive tract.
Burping is a common symptom of both of these conditions—and sulfur burping may be even more likely to occur if there's enough hydrogen sulfide present in the digestive system.
Bacterial Infections
The natural mix of bacteria in the gut (known as the gut microbiome) helps break down foods during the digestion process—and this bacteria also produces the sulfur compound hydrogen sulfide.
Infections of certain bacteria (like the H. pylori bacteria) or other microbe (like the Giardia parasite) can trigger an excess production of hydrogen sulfide, and lead to sulfur burps and bad breath.
How To Get Rid of Sulfur Burps
The best ways to get rid of sulfur burps will depend on whether there's an underlying health condition or not. Treating that condition can help clear up any sulfur burp episodes.
Typically, however, your healthcare provider might first recommend trying medication or certain dietary changes to address smelly burps.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids and anti-gas medications can help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. For example, Gas-X (simethicone) can help excess gas pass through your digestive system more quickly. Pepto-Bismol (subsalicylate) treats upset stomach symptoms that might come along with sulfur burping. Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec (omeprazole) can also be useful for people who experience sulfur burps related to GERD.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help keep the gut bacterial environment healthy—and they may be particularly helpful for managing the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which prompts sulfur burps. Research has shown taking probiotic supplements or consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or sauerkraut can help improve burping and other digestive symptoms.
There are also natural ingredients that support digestion. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile in tea form may be a good place to start, as they can help relax muscles around the digestive tract and promote healthy digestion.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
Burping is considered to be a natural process that helps prevent gas from building up in the digestive tract. It’s normal to burp anywhere from 25 to 30 times per day.
However, if you’re experiencing excessive sulfur burps that are bothersome or severe enough to have an impact on your daily activities more than three days a week, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider. They will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and sulfur burp patterns, and they may want to test for an underlying gastrointestinal health condition.
If needed, the provider can offer a treatment plan. For example, if there is a bacterial infection in the digestive tract, a healthcare provider can prescribe an antibiotic to clear the infection. Prescription-strength medications for conditions like GERD are also available.
In some cases, psychosocial therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy may be added to help supplement a digestive condition treatment plan. Though they wouldn't provide immediate relief for sulfur and other types of burping, these treatments have been shown to help improve quality of life for people with gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.
How To Prevent Sulfur Burps
You may be able to prevent sulfur burps with dietary and lifestyle changes. Experts often recommend the following tips to help avoid belching:
Cut back on sulfur-filled foods that contribute to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the digestive system
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to support digestion and flush out sulfur
Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum, as they can trigger gas and burping
Eat smaller, more frequent meals slowly so excess air isn't taken in and swallowed
Limit sugary foods and artificial sweeteners, which encourage bacteria in the digestive tract
Get regular exercise to promote healthy digestive system movement
A Quick Review
Sulfur burps are burps that smell like rotten eggs. They're triggered when there's too much hydrogen sulfide in your digestive system, which can happen with certain food choices, medications, and health conditions. Occasional sulfur burps can usually be treated with OTC medications and dietary and lifestyle tweaks, while frequent sulfur burping may require a consultation with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying digestive disorders.
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