Q. I'm experiencing sulfur burps (rotten egg burps) and diarrhea. What could be causing these symptoms?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Sulfur burps and diarrhea together can be caused by a variety of factors. While it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis, here's a breakdown of some possibilities:
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Food Intolerance: Certain foods high in sulfur-containing compounds can cause these symptoms. Examples include:
- Dairy Products: People with lactose intolerance lack sufficient lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose (sugar) in milk products. This can lead to gas production, including hydrogen sulfide, causing sulfur burps, and diarrhea.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain sulfur compounds (thiols) that can be broken down by gut bacteria into hydrogen sulfide gas, leading to sulfur burps. While less likely to cause diarrhea on their own, they might contribute to existing diarrhea.
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Digestive Disorders: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease can all cause inflammation, irritation, and difficulty digesting food. This can lead to:
- Abnormal Digestion: Improper digestion of proteins containing sulfur-containing amino acids can cause excess hydrogen sulfide gas production, resulting in sulfur burps.
- Diarrhea: Inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract can disrupt the normal flow of fluids, leading to diarrhea.
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Parasitic Infection: Parasites like giardia can disrupt digestion and irritate the gut, causing:
- Increased Gas Production: Parasites might feed on proteins containing sulfur-rich amino acids, leading to increased hydrogen sulfide gas and sulfur burps.
- Diarrhea: Parasite infections can disrupt the absorption of fluids and nutrients, causing diarrhea.
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Liver Disease: Severe liver problems like cirrhosis can affect the breakdown of protein molecules during metabolism. This can lead to:
- Toxic Buildup: The impaired liver might not remove waste products effectively, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. Some of these toxins can have a sulfurous odor and be expelled through belching.
- Diarrhea: Liver disease can disrupt fluid balance and digestion, contributing to diarrhea.
Consult Gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment, especially if you experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (lasting more than a few days)
- Bloody stools
- High fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
The doctor might conduct tests like stool analysis or blood tests to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
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