Ask a doctor - gaWhat do sulfur burps and diarrhea symptoms mean?

Q. gaWhat do sulfur burps and diarrhea symptoms mean?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Diarrhea and sulfur burps are both symptoms that could be indicative of a variety of underlying medical issues. Sulfur-containing compounds like hydrogen sulfide can produce a distinctive odor, sometimes described as "rotten eggs" or "sewage", in your breath, resulting from the breakdown of proteins with sulfur-containing amino acids by bacteria in the mouth. This can occur as a result of food intolerance; certain foods, including dairy products and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, may cause this type of reaction due to their high content of sulfurous compounds like thiols.

In some cases it could be indicative of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), or celiac disease. These conditions involve inflammation and/or problems with digestion which may lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea or abnormal digestion that produces excess hydrogen sulfide gas production causing foul smelling burps commonly referred to as "sulfur burps".

Another possibility is parasitic infection which may contribute to both diarrhea along with sulfur-smelling burps due to increased levels of gas produced when the parasite consumes proteins containing sulfur-rich amino acids for energy. Parasites such gastric worms or giardia can cause these types symptoms if left untreated for long periods.

Additionally those suffering from liver diseases such as cirrhosis might experience abdominal pain accompanied by yellowing skin and eyes - known clinically as jaundice - along with smelly “rotten egg” belching due to an accumulation toxic waste products created while breaking down protein molecules during metabolism caused by an impaired liver's inability metabolize these toxins effectively ultimately leading to their release through intestinal gases expelled via belches and flatus (fart) respectively).

The only way to know exactly what is causing these symptoms is seek medical advice from your physician who will likely conduct tests including stool sample analysis looking metabolic markers suggestive signs indicating presence infections parasites along other relevant information that can help determine exact cause any given set symptoms associated diarrhea & sulfur burping combination order provide most appropriate treatment course action possible depending complications found during diagnosis process itself all factors considered said matter at hand herein discussed given topic question asker asked begin herewith stated addressed context presentation same addressed provided details do hope about further understanding on subject general public thank you very much!