Sulfur Burps with Egg Smell: Causes and Treatment

Egg burps, sometimes called sulfur burps, are caused when your body expels the hydrogen sulfide gas produced when certain proteins break down in the digestive system. A loud burp is embarrassing enough, but when the burp is accompanied by the smell of eggs, the experience can be emotionally painful. There are many causes of sulfur burps. Fortunately, there are also many simple and effective remedies to get rid of it, like baking soda and Pepto Bismol.

Causes of Egg Burps

Most of the causes are not life-threatening and are easy to correct. However, when egg burps are accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, this might be an indication of a more serious underlying health problem. See your medical professional if you have ongoing egg burps or if they are associated with other symptoms.

1. Sulfa-Containing Foods

If you have occasional sulfur burps, think about the food you have eaten recently. Since the hydrogen sulfides that cause the smell are produced by the breakdown of protein, you should understand that complex protein foods may lead to egg burps. This would include red meats, eggs, dairy products and pungent vegetables such as garlic, onions, cabbage, asparagus and broccoli. Beverages like coffee and colas should also be avoided to some extent. Fruits like cashews and bananas are known to trigger sulfur burps as well. Avoid or reduce your intake of these foods to decrease the chance of egg burps.

2. Gastrointestinal Infection

Recent research has implicated the Helicobacter bacteria and Giardia parasite in infections of the digestive system that can cause egg burps. If you have one of these infections, you will very likely experience other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). The best course of action is to see your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Prescribed Medication

Some prescription medications can also cause sulfur burps. Most notably, mediations that are sulfur based may be the cause of your problem. Read the labels on any medications you are currently taking.

4. Improper Eating Habits

In addition to the kind of food you eat, your actual eating habits can also cause egg burps. Specifically, avoid eating very heavy meals full of complex proteins since these foods will sit in your stomach for longer periods allowing the sulfide gas to build up. Eat slowly and chew each bite thoroughly so that the digestive process begins in your mouth as it is intended to do.

5. Other Diseases

If you have ruled out all of the other possible causes of egg burps, you need to get in to your healthcare provider so you can be evaluated for other diseases that can cause these foul-smelling burps. Diseases that may cause sulfur burps include:

  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) that results when normal bacteria take over resulting in bloating and burping.
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Remedies for Egg Burps

There are a few home and medical remedies that you can try for egg burps.

1. Eat Wisely


One really easy method for getting rid of egg burps is to eat the right foods. Start by eliminating foods high in sulfur (eggs and many dried fruits), dairy products and foods made with dairy products, and foods high in sugar. When you have eliminated all of these foods from your diet, see if your egg burps are gone. If they are gone, add foods back into your diet one at a time and notice which foods cause the sulfur burps. These are foods you should avoid. Add fiber and water to your diet. This combination will improve the health of your digestive system by cleaning out the substances in your body that can produce sulfides.

2. Drink Lemon, Honey in Warm Water


Try drinking a glass of warm water with lemon juice and honey each morning. Although not designed to specifically fight egg burps, lemon and honey are cleansing agents that help to remove all sorts of toxins from your body. This might include the sulfides that cause sulfur burps.

3. Pepto Bismol

An over-the-counter medication that may be effective in fighting egg burps, Pepto Bismol works by binding with the sulfides in your stomach and digestive system. Once the sulfides bind with the bismuth in Pepto Bismol, the sulfides are no longer available to create the cause that causes the burps.Watch a video for Pepto Bismol effect:

4. Baking Soda and Water


The baking soda neutralizes the gasses in your stomach (the nasty taste and smell is because of the acid). You may experience an instant burp and then will probably throw up, expelling the foul eggy burps. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water and drink it. Be aware that this may also make you vomit so be close to a toilet when you try this method. If it works for you, this method should cure your egg burps within a few minutes.

5. Alka Seltzer

Try some Alka Seltzer. This sort of antacid works because it neutralizes the acids in the stomach that are actually the cause of the egg burps. Many people who suffer from this condition have found it effective in fighting away foul-smelling burps. Watch a video for more information:

6. Prescription Drugs

If your egg burps are caused by an infection, see your healthcare provider for a prescription of antibiotics. There are other prescription drugs that your doctor can give you for other diseases that might be causing the sulfur burps. Be aware that you should not take medications for your problem unless they are given to you by your doctor.

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