What causes sulfur burps and diarrhea?
Sulfur burps and diarrhea are most often caused by gut infections, especially the parasite Giardia, bacterial food poisoning, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and H. pylori infection. Eating high-sulfur foods such as eggs, red meat, broccoli, cabbage, garlic and onions, or taking sulfur-containing supplements, can also cause egg-smelling burps. Food intolerances, celiac disease and slow stomach emptying are less common causes.
Where the rotten egg smell comes from
- Sulfur in foodProteins and vegetables contain sulfur compounds.
- FermentationBacteria or parasites break them down too early or too much.
- Hydrogen sulfide gasThe gas comes up as egg-smelling burps and speeds up the bowel.
Is Giardia a common cause of egg-smelling burps?
Yes. Giardia is a classic cause of egg-smelling burps with greasy, foul diarrhea, bloating, cramps and fatigue. It spreads through contaminated water, including untreated well water, lakes, rivers and pools, and through contact with infected people or animals. Symptoms often start one to two weeks after exposure. It is diagnosed with a stool test and treated with prescription medicine.
| Possible cause | Other clues | How it is checked |
|---|---|---|
| Giardia | Greasy diarrhea, recent camping, well water or travel | Stool antigen or PCR test |
| Food poisoning | Sudden onset, others ill, vomiting | History; stool test if severe or lasting |
| SIBO | Chronic bloating, gas, loose stools | Breath test |
| H. pylori | Upper abdominal pain, indigestion | Breath or stool test, endoscopy |
| High-sulfur diet or supplements | Symptoms after specific foods | Food diary |
| Celiac disease or food intolerance | Bloating, diarrhea after certain foods | Blood test, breath test |
Have symptoms like these?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, sees adults at our Katy and Cypress offices, serving patients across Greater Houston.
Why do I have rotten egg burps and stomach pain?
Rotten egg burps and stomach pain often go together when gas and inflammation build up in the stomach or small intestine. Infections such as Giardia or food poisoning cause cramping, while H. pylori or gastritis cause burning upper abdominal pain. Severe or constant pain, pain with fever or vomiting, or pain that wakes you at night needs prompt evaluation.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Diarrhea lasting more than a few days, or more than a week in total
- Blood in the stool or black stools
- Fever or severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Weight loss or symptoms that keep returning
How are sulfur burps and diarrhea treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Giardia and some bacterial infections are treated with prescription antibiotics or antiparasitic medicine, SIBO with antibiotics such as rifaximin, and H. pylori with combination therapy. In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids, eat smaller bland meals, and limit high-sulfur foods, alcohol, dairy and fatty foods. Bismuth products can reduce sulfur odor but may turn stools black, so tell your doctor if you use them.
Tip: Note any recent travel, camping, swimming in lakes or rivers, well water use or sick contacts. These details help your doctor choose the right stool test.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
See a gastroenterologist if sulfur burps and diarrhea last more than a week, keep coming back, or come with weight loss, bloating or abdominal pain. Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan evaluates these symptoms for patients from Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Richmond and Greater Houston. See our chronic diarrhea care, bloating and gas and H. pylori testing pages.
Get answers instead of guessing
Request a visit with Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan at our Katy and Cypress offices. Most major insurance plans are accepted and self-pay options are available.
Key takeaways
- Sulfur burps and diarrhea come from hydrogen sulfide gas made in the gut.
- Giardia is a classic cause of egg-smelling burps with greasy diarrhea.
- SIBO, H. pylori, food poisoning and high-sulfur foods are other causes.
- Rotten egg burps and stomach pain with fever or blood need prompt care.
- Stool and breath tests usually find the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Are sulfur burps dangerous?
Occasional sulfur burps after certain foods are harmless. Persistent sulfur burps and diarrhea should be checked for infection.
How long do egg-smelling burps last?
From food, usually less than a day. From an infection, they may continue until it is treated.
Can stress cause sulfur burps?
Stress does not produce sulfur gas but can worsen gut symptoms. Look for other causes first.
Can I get Giardia from Texas lakes or well water?
Yes. Untreated surface water and private wells can carry Giardia. Treat or boil water when camping.
Do probiotics help?
Evidence is limited. Treat any infection first and ask your doctor before starting probiotics.
Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist in Katy or Cypress?
It depends on your insurance plan. Many PPO plans let you book a specialist directly, while some HMO plans require a referral from your primary care doctor. Call (346) 340-4414 and the team can help you check.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Foodborne illness
- MedlinePlus — Diarrhea
- MedlinePlus — H. pylori infections
- NIDDK — Gas in the digestive tract
- MedlinePlus — Gas
Where to be seen in Katy and Cypress
United Gastroenterology Associates has two offices: Katy, at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, next to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, and Cypress, at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, on US-290. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, and serve patients from Fulshear, Richmond and across Greater Houston. Call (346) 340-4414 for either office.
Katy office
23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555
Katy, TX 77494
Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza 1
Next steps
If you are dealing with sulfur burps and diarrhea or any ongoing digestive concern, a focused evaluation can find the cause and start the right treatment. Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan and the team at United Gastroenterology Associates see adults from Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Richmond, Greater Houston and across Texas. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment today.
If you have severe pain, vomit blood, pass black stools or have chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
