Sulphur Burps: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Get Rid of Them

If you've ever burped and noticed a smell similar to rotten eggs, you've experienced what's known as a sulphur burp. They're called sulphur burps, or eggy burps, because an eggy smell is caused by sulphur-containing gases made inside your body.

While sulphur burps are usually harmless, they can be unpleasant and sometimes be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, indigestion, or an upset stomach. In this guide, we'll explain what causes sulphur burps, why they happen, and what you can do to help manage them.

Three key takeaways

• Eating less high-sulphur foods in your diet, like eggs, can help stop the unpleasant smells when you burp.
• Sulphur burps can be managed and relieved with over-the-counter medicines like Wind-Eze or Windsetlers.
• Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy can make sulphur burps more likely as they slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach.

What are sulphur burps?

Sulphur burps are burps that smell like rotten eggs, containing a gas called hydrogen sulphide. This gas is produced naturally in your digestive tract when food is broken down.

While sulphur burps can be unpleasant, they're usually harmless and can happen to anyone from time to time. If you notice them happening regularly or alongside other symptoms, like stomach pain, diarrhoea or nausea, it's a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

What causes sulphur burps?

There are a few different reasons why you might experience sulphur burps, including your diet, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.

Medication

Some medicines can increase your chances of having sulphur burps, like weight loss injections (Mounjaro and Wegovy) and weight loss pills (Wegovy tablets and Foundayo). This happens for two reasons:

• Delayed gastric emptying: Weight loss medications slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach. This gives your body more time to digest food and helps you feel fuller for longer, but it can also lead to a build-up of gases like hydrogen sulphide, which can cause sulphur burps.
• Changes to your gut bacteria: Weight loss medications may also affect the balance of bacteria living in your digestive system (your gut microbiome). Changes in how food moves through your gut can impact how food is broken down and increase the amount of gas that it produces.

If you already have a digestive condition like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), weight loss medication might make existing symptoms more noticeable too. This can sometimes include increased burping, bloating, indigestion, or sulphur burps.

Antibiotics can also cause sulphur burps, as can other medications that affect your gut microbiome and the way that your digestive system breaks down food.

Diet

Diet is one of the most common causes of sulphur burps.

Some people find that eating less of the foods that seem to trigger symptoms helps, particularly sulphur-rich foods. These include:

• eggs
• red meat
• dairy products, like milk and cheese
• garlic
• onions
• broccoli and cauliflower
• greasy or high-fat foods, which can slow digestion
• fizzy drinks
• alcohol
• products containing the sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol, like some diet drinks, sugar-free foods, and chewing gum, which can contribute to bloating and excess gas

High-protein foods can also contain sulphur. Many people increase their protein intake while trying to lose weight, which can cause eggy burps, especially when digestion has slowed down.

If you’re on weight loss treatment and are looking for advice on how to reduce sulphur burps through your diet, we’ve broken down diet plans for Mounjaro as well as diet do's and don’ts for Wegovy to help make it slightly easier for you.

How long do sulphur burps last?

How long sulphur burps last depends on what's causing them. If they're linked to something you've eaten or drunk, they often settle within a few hours. If they're caused by medication, particularly weight loss treatments, they may last for a few days while your body processes food and adjusts to the dose.

For most people, sulphur burps are temporary and improve on their own. However, if they keep coming back, or last for a long time, it's a good idea to speak to your GP or a healthcare professional for advice.

How to get rid of sulphur burps

Medicinal options

While over-the-counter medicines may help manage symptoms associated with sulphur burps, it's always a good idea to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new treatment.

Antacids may help if your sulphur burps are linked to indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux. They work by reducing stomach acid, which can help ease digestive discomfort in some people.

Probiotics can also help, as they support a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and can help to maintain digestive health.

If you're also experiencing bloating or trapped wind, products containing simethicone, like Wind-eze, may help. Simethicone works by combining smaller gas bubbles into larger ones, making them easier to pass and helping to relieve discomfort caused by too much gas.

"Sulphur burps are often linked to diet, digestion, or medication. If they're happening regularly, try keeping a note of any foods, drinks, or medicines that seem to trigger your symptoms. If they persist or are affecting your day-to-day life, speak to a pharmacist or your GP for advice."

Hana Yusuf, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U

Non-medicinal alternatives

If you’re keen to get rid of sulphur burps without medication, drinking more water is a simple yet effective approach. Staying well-hydrated keeps your digestive system working normally and supports overall gut health.

For extra relief, sipping on peppermint or ginger tea can have a soothing effect on your stomach, promoting smoother digestion and helping you feel more comfortable.

When to see your GP with sulphur burps

Sulphur burps are usually nothing to worry about and often improve on their own. However, it's a good idea to speak to your GP if they're happening frequently, don't go away, or are affecting your day-to-day life.

You should also seek medical advice if your sulphur burps occur alongside any of the following symptoms:

• being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• stomach (abdominal) pain
• blood in your vomit or stool
• unintentional weight loss

Frequently asked questions about sulphur burps

Do sulphur burps mean I’m sick? 

Not necessarily. Sulphur burps are often caused by certain foods, how quickly you eat, or medication. However, if your sulphur burps are frequent, don't go away, or occur alongside other symptoms, it's a good idea to speak to your GP, as these could be signs of a hidden stomach problem.

Can stress cause sulphur burps? 

Stress doesn't directly cause sulphur burps, but it can affect the way your digestive system works. When you're feeling stressed, you may be more likely to experience symptoms like indigestion, bloating, acid reflux, and changes in your bowel habits, all of which can contribute to burping.

Stress can also influence eating habits, like eating too quickly or eating high fat foods, which may increase your chances of getting sulphur burps.

Sources

• Causes of sulphur burps: how to alleviate symptoms. (2024). AXA Health. [Accessed 26 October 2026].
• Tirzepatide. (2026). NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026].
• Indigestion. (2023). NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026].
• Heartburn and acid reflux. (2023). NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026].
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2025). NHS. [Accessed 26 October 2026].