Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
There is no single cause of sulfur burps. Burping is a normal part of life. You may experience burps more frequently due to behaviors or diet. Burping may also be a sign of another health condition. Behavior-related causes of burps may be associated with an excess intake of air. You may swallow too much air from
1. eating too quickly
2. eating when talking
3. drinking carbonated beverages
4. overeating
5. smoking
6. drinking from a straw
7. chewing gum
8. sucking on hard candies
9. having loose dentures.
Foods and beverages can also cause additional gas in your body. You may find that your body is especially sensitive to certain types of food that result in strong-smelling burps.
Certain foods that can cause a buildup of gas include:
1. fried foods
2. foods high in fat
3. foods and drinks containing lactose
4. cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage
5. high-fiber foods
6. garlic and onions.
Sulfur burps may also be caused by an underlying health condition or a medication you take. Some health conditions that may lead to abnormal burping include:
1. indigestion
2.
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
3. gastritis
4.
peptic ulcer disease
5. infections like
Helicobacter pylori and giardia infection.
See your doctor if you suspect you have an underlying medical condition or if the sulfur burps are accompanied by concerning symptoms like:
1. pain in your chest or digestive tract
2. weight loss
3. fever
4. nausea and vomiting
5.
diarrhea.
Treatment for sulfur burps may be as simple as eliminating certain foods from your diet or changing behaviors that cause you to swallow excess air.
Eliminate foods and beverages that cause too much gas in your body. These can vary from person to person, so pay attention to your body’s response to certain foods and try to avoid ones that result in frequent
belching.
Behaviors that result in swallowing extra air should be eliminated. This includes:
1. chewing gum
2. sucking on hard candies
3. smoking
4. eating quickly
5. eating while talking
6. overeating.
Getting regular exercise may be a behavior that helps prevent burping and other gastrointestinal distress.
Medications that target digestion and gas include:
1. antacids, such as
Pepcid AC or Tums
2. enzyme lactase products
3. bismuth-subsalicylate products, like Pepto-Bismol
4. alpha-galactosidase products
5.
simethicone (Mylanta Gas, Gas-X)
6. probiotics.
Your doctor may determine that you need a prescription medication to relieve symptoms or treat an underlying condition. For example, if you have a bacterial infection causing sulfur burps, you may be prescribed antibiotics.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.