What Causes Diarrhea & Sulfur Burps? Treatment & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• Digestive issues, certain dietary choices, and infections are common reasons why diarrhea and sulfur burps may appear together.
• Recognizing specific triggers, like certain foods or medications, can make these symptoms easier to manage and prevent.
• If symptoms don’t improve or start getting worse, it’s often helpful to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying concerns.

Diarrhea and sulfur burps are common but uncomfortable digestive symptoms that can quickly disrupt daily life. Diarrhea, known for frequent, loose stools, often occurs with sulfur burps, which emit a distinct “rotten egg” odor due to sulfur compounds in the digestive tract.

These symptoms may be harmless, but they can sometimes hint at larger digestive issues. This article explores possible causes of diarrhea and sulfur burps, tips for symptom management at home, and when it’s essential to seek medical care.

Relationship between diarrhea and sulfur burps

Diarrhea and sulfur burps frequently appear together because they often share common digestive triggers. When food doesn’t break down properly, it can begin to ferment in the digestive tract, releasing gases with a sulfur-like smell. At the same time, an increase in digestive speed may lead to loose stools.

Certain foods, medications, and health conditions are common culprits behind both symptoms. Knowing these triggers can help you avoid or adjust your habits to prevent future episodes.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea and sulfur burps

Diarrhea and sulfur burps don’t often show up alone; they’re usually joined by other uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help you identify possible causes and take steps to feel better. Here are a few symptoms that commonly go hand-in-hand with diarrhea and sulfur burps:

Bloating and gas

Excess gas often creates a bloated feeling, particularly after meals, and can contribute to sulfur burps. Undigested food that ferments in the intestines produces gas, which may lead to burping and bloating.

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea and sulfur burps may be joined by nausea, sometimes leading to vomiting. This may indicate irritation in the stomach or an infection. If nausea is strong or persistent, light meals and clear fluids (like broth or plain crackers) can be gentler on the stomach.

Watery diarrhea

Loose or watery stools, a hallmark of diarrhea, can quickly lead to dehydration. With rapid stool passage, the body has less time to absorb water. Replacing lost fluids with water or an oral rehydration solution can help keep you hydrated and support recovery.

Stomach pain or cramping

Stomach pain or cramping can occur when the intestines work hard to clear irritants, whether it’s due to a specific food or a digestive upset. Mild pain can be soothed by gentle movement or using a heating pad to relax muscles.

Causes of diarrhea and sulfur burps

Diarrhea and sulfur burps can stem from various causes, including dietary habits, infections, and health conditions. Let’s take a closer look at some common causes:

Food sensitivities

Certain foods, particularly those high in sulfur (such as eggs, garlic, and red meat), may contribute to the sulfur smell in burps. Additionally, intolerances to lactose or gluten can cause digestive distress, including diarrhea, as the body struggles to process these foods.

Infections and viruses (including COVID-19)

Bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli, or viruses such as norovirus and even COVID-19, may result in diarrhea and sulfur burps.

These infections disrupt normal digestion, often producing gas, nausea, and other symptoms. Staying hydrated and resting are generally recommended for viral infections, while bacterial infections may require antibiotics.

Medications (like semaglutide)

Some medications, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy), can impact the digestive system, leading to diarrhea, bloating, or gas as the body adjusts.

If symptoms persist, discussing them with a healthcare provider can help determine the best approach.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD, which causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, may also lead to sulfur burps. When acid backs up, it can trigger burping with an unpleasant odor.

Heartburn and nausea often accompany GERD. Medications that reduce acid production, alongside dietary adjustments, can help manage this condition.

Read our guides on different types of diarrhea and causes of diarrhea for more.

Duration of diarrhea and sulfur burps

The duration of diarrhea and sulfur burps typically depends on the cause. For many, these symptoms last one to three days and resolve as the digestive system stabilizes.

If symptoms continue beyond a few days or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms may signal an infection or an underlying digestive issue that needs attention.

Treatments for diarrhea and sulfur burps

While mild cases of diarrhea and sulfur burps can often be managed at home, several treatment options can offer relief and help prevent recurrence.

At-home remedies

Simple remedies, like ginger tea, can help settle the stomach and soothe nausea. Eating smaller, lighter meals also prevents overeating, which can ease digestion and reduce sulfur burps.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is key when dealing with diarrhea. Loose stools can cause the body to lose fluids quickly, making it easy to become dehydrated.

Drinking water throughout the day and adding in a rehydration solution (with electrolytes) can help replace these lost fluids, supporting your recovery and helping you feel better. Hydration isn’t just about drinking more; it’s about drinking the right fluids that keep your body balanced.

Activated charcoal

Some people find relief from sulfur burps with activated charcoal, as it may absorb sulfur compounds and reduce odor.

Consulting a healthcare provider before using activated charcoal is recommended, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

Preventing diarrhea and sulfur burps

A few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in preventing these symptoms. Here are some adjustments that may help:

Dietary adjustments

Avoiding sulfur-rich foods, such as red meat, garlic, and some legumes, may reduce sulfur burps. Eating balanced meals rich in fiber supports regular bowel movements and digestive health.

Limiting alcohol and carbonated beverages

Alcohol and fizzy drinks can increase gas production, leading to bloating and burping. Reducing intake of these drinks can help prevent gas buildup and ease symptoms.

Take probiotics

Probiotics, found in supplements or foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, can support a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing the risk of digestive upset.

When to see a doctor about diarrhea and sulfur burps

While these symptoms can often be managed at home, there are times when medical guidance is necessary.

You should see a doctor if:

• Symptoms last beyond a few days or get worse.
• Diarrhea and sulfur burps recur frequently, suggesting an ongoing issue.
• Mild abdominal pain or cramping continues, affecting daily life.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You show signs of severe dehydration, like dizziness or confusion.
• Your stools are black or contain noticeable blood, which may indicate internal bleeding.
• You experience sudden, severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve.

Questions to ask your doctor about diarrhea and sulfur burps

When meeting with a healthcare provider, asking the right questions can help you better understand and manage your symptoms. Here are some questions that can guide the conversation:

• Could my diet or lifestyle be contributing to these symptoms?
• Are there any tests you recommend to help identify the cause?
• What treatments or medications could help relieve my symptoms?
• How can I make adjustments to prevent these symptoms from coming back?

Diagnosing diarrhea and sulfur burps

To figure out what’s causing diarrhea and sulfur burps, a healthcare provider will likely start by talking with you about your diet, any medications, and daily habits that could be affecting your digestion. They might ask questions about recent meals, any new foods you’ve tried, or recent trips, as these details can reveal what might be triggering your symptoms.

Sometimes, they may suggest doing a stool test or blood work to check for infections, like bacteria or viruses, or to spot any other issues that might be affecting your digestive system. These tests help them understand if an infection, digestive imbalance, or nutritional problem is at play.

By looking at the bigger picture, your provider can guide you toward the best ways to treat your symptoms and prevent them from coming back.

Frequently asked questions: diarrhea and sulfur burps

Here are some answers to common questions about these symptoms:

Can semaglutide cause diarrhea and sulfur burps?

Yes, medications like semaglutide may lead to digestive symptoms, including diarrhea and burps. This effect often lessens as the body adjusts, but it’s helpful to discuss persistent symptoms with a healthcare provider for guidance.

What should you eat or drink when you have diarrhea and sulfur burps?

Bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast are often easy on the stomach, while staying hydrated with water or rehydration solutions supports recovery.

What if you have diarrhea and sulfur burps while pregnant?

If you’re pregnant, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider, as these symptoms may require specific dietary adjustments and hydration needs.

Managing diarrhea and sulfur burps

While diarrhea and sulfur burps can be uncomfortable and disruptive, knowing what might cause these symptoms can make a big difference in managing them effectively. Small changes—like eating more fiber-rich foods (think fruits, veggies, and whole grains), drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and finding ways to handle stress—can work wonders for keeping your digestion on track.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, reaching out to a healthcare provider is the logical next step. Checking in early can help catch any potential issues before they become more serious, ensuring your digestive system keeps working as it should and helping you feel your best.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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