Differential Diagnosis for Burps Smelling like Sulfur
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - This condition involves the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause burps that smell like sulfur due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in the stomach.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Lactose intolerance - Inability to digest lactose can lead to the production of sulfur-containing gases during digestion, resulting in sulfur-smelling burps.
- Fructose malabsorption - Similar to lactose intolerance, the incomplete absorption of fructose can lead to the production of sulfur-containing gases.
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) - An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can produce sulfur-containing gases, leading to sulfur-smelling burps.
- Food intolerance (e.g., gluten, high-sulfur foods) - Consuming foods that are not well-tolerated can lead to the production of sulfur-containing gases.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Peptic ulcer disease - Although less common, peptic ulcers can cause sulfur-smelling burps due to the infection with Helicobacter pylori, which produces enzymes that break down sulfur-containing compounds.
- Gastric cancer - A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause changes in digestion and gas production, leading to sulfur-smelling burps.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Wilson's disease - A rare genetic disorder that affects copper metabolism, leading to the accumulation of sulfur-containing compounds in the body.
- Sulfur amino acid metabolism disorders (e.g., homocystinuria) - Rare genetic disorders that affect the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, potentially leading to the production of sulfur-containing gases.