Egg burps, also known as sulfur burps, have a foul, rotten egg smell due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas may be a byproduct of digestion or the result of an underlying gastrointestinal issue. Some of the common causes of egg burps are:

• Eating certain foods: Hydrogen sulfide is produced when bacteria in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract break down food. This may result in foul-smelling burps or flatulence. Certain foods may cause excessive belching or sulfur burps, including beans and legumes, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, alcohol such as beer, and dairy products like milk.

• Gastrointestinal issues: Sulfur burps may also be caused by digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lactose intolerance, and celiac disease. These may cause gas from the stomach to rise up as burps or stomach acid reflux.

• Infections: An infection in the upper gastrointestinal tract caused by the H. pylori bacterium may also cause problems, such as bloating, heartburn, and sulfur burps.

• Medications: Certain prescription medications like Ozempic, which is used to help treat type 2 diabetes, may cause side effects like excessive gas.

To prevent egg burps, it is best to find out what is causing them. Keeping a journal about your foods and daily habits can be an effective way to isolate the cause of your sulfur burps. If you notice that certain foods are aggravating your condition, you can try removing those foods from your diet temporarily. If you cannot isolate the underlying cause of your sulfur burps with journaling, you may want to enlist the help of your spouse, partner, or someone who lives with you to see if he or she could help observe you and provide insight. If you still cannot find the connection, contact a gastroenterologist.