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Rotten egg burps in children.

Medical expert of the article

Surgeon, oncosurgeon
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Belching rotten eggs is a problem that can occur not only in adults but also in children. Let's consider its causes, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

This unpleasant symptom indicates putrefactive processes in the stomach cavity. Very often, this condition is accompanied by diarrhea, especially in children. The disorder signals pathological changes in the functioning of the digestive system.

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Causes baby's belching rotten food

The cause of belching is hydrogen sulfide, i.e. gas formed from sulfur-containing proteins present in food after sulfur bacteria break down proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. In children, the pathology is associated with immaturity of internal organs, functional and psychosomatic disorders that cause disturbances in the outflow of bile and its entry into the stomach. In addition to aerophagia, painful sensations appear in the hypochondrium on the right, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

There are many factors that cause rotten belching. All of them are associated with putrefactive processes in the gastrointestinal tract, which develop against the background of impaired motor function of the stomach and slow secretion of digestive enzymes. All the food eaten stagnates in the stomach, which causes the decay of sulfur-containing proteins to form hydrogen sulfide.

Let's look at the main reasons for rotten egg burps in children:

  • Reduced acidity of gastric juice as a result of gastritis and inflammation of the mucous membrane.
  • Pancreatitis with decreased enzymatic function.
  • Intestinal bacteria and parasites (giardiasis).
  • Intolerance to certain foods.
  • Crohn's disease.
  • Intestinal infections (salmonellosis).
  • Duodenitis and enteritis.
  • Stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach.
  • Dyskinesia of the biliary tract.

If the acidity of the gastric juice is normal, then the digestion of food occurs without disturbance, and putrefactive processes are restrained. With a decrease in the secretory function, digestion is disrupted. Most often, this occurs due to reversible functional failures in the gastrointestinal tract, stress, overeating fatty or spicy foods. If aerophagia is observed over a long period of time, it indicates irreversible changes: a decrease in the motor function of the stomach or atrophy of its mucous membrane.

Very often the disorder is accompanied by diarrhea. Its appearance is associated with the development of dysbacteriosis as a result of digestive failure. Excessive growth of pathogenic microflora causes flatulence, diarrhea, and the body's inability to absorb nutrients. Similar symptoms are observed with lesions of the bile ducts and pancreas.

Belching with diarrhea with bloody streaks, high temperature, flatulence, nausea and general weakness indicates granulomatous enterocolitis, i.e. Crohn's disease. Putrid belching with eggs appears with a rare hereditary disease - celiac disease, i.e. gluten enteropathy. The pathology is characterized by intolerance to gluten (cereal protein). That is, the body does not digest flour products, cereals and bread.

The most common cause of rotten egg burps in children is biliary dyskinesia. This disease manifests itself in the disruption of bile flow and its irregular entry into the intestines. This negatively affects the functioning of the digestive system, while also affecting the general well-being of the child. Bile is a multi-component biochemical substance on which a number of necessary digestive processes depend: digestion of fats, the reaction of neutralization of gastric juice, stimulation of the release of enzymes in the pancreas and intestines, support for the absorption of certain vitamins, stimulation of intestinal peristalsis, removal of metabolites and toxic substances, etc.

With dyskinesia, a child experiences pain in the liver area after physical exercise, when eating a lot of fried food or fast food. In addition to belching rotten eggs, in such cases, nausea, a burning sensation in the intestines, and diarrhea with bile may also bother.

The next possible reason for a child to burp with rotten eggs is an imbalance of microflora in the intestines, or, simply put, dysbacteriosis. Most often, it develops after prolonged or improper use of antibiotics. With dysbacteriosis, there is a redistribution of microflora in the intestines, and beneficial bacteria are replaced by pathogenic ones. As a result of such a "redistribution", gastritis, pancreatitis and cholecystitis may occur.

There are several known cases when a woman's belching of rotten stool during pregnancy was later observed in the newborn baby. This is associated with congenital disorders of bile drainage from the gallbladder.

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Pathogenesis

The mechanism of air release through the mouth with a rotten smell is based on the release of gases that have accumulated in the stomach and stimulate its secretory and motor functions. Pathogenesis is associated with the gradual release of gases to the outside. Involuntary swallowing of a large amount of air increases intragastric pressure, causing muscle contraction and belching. Hasty absorption of food, talking during meals, carbonated drinks and chewing gum provoke the disorder.

Belching with a rotten smell occurs due to the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide. There are a number of products that cause gas accumulation: various preservatives, fast food, eggs, milk, red meat, strong tea and coffee, garlic, onions, mustard, beans, peas, nuts, bananas, seeds. Pathology appears with some gastrointestinal diseases. Intolerance to certain foods, food stagnation and inability to digest also provoke the disorder.

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Symptoms baby's belching rotten food

Aerophagia with a rotten smell, as a rule, is a signal of problems in the body. Symptoms of diseases of the esophagus, stomach and intestines are accompanied by belching. To understand whether such a disorder is a signal of a serious illness, it is necessary to know exactly when it appeared, whether it occurs immediately after eating or after some time, or whether certain products provoke it.

If putrefactive belching is accompanied by bloating, diarrhea, constipation, bouts of vomiting and nausea, high temperature, then this indicates intoxication of the body. Often, intolerance to certain products in pediatric patients causes unpleasant symptoms with belching. If aerophagia persists for several days, then it is necessary to seek medical help.

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Rotten egg burps and diarrhea in a child

Very often children complain of painful sensations in the abdomen, colic, flatulence and belching. Such a symptom complex may indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract or more serious problems that are just beginning to appear. The situation worsens if diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and deterioration of the general condition join the above-described disorders.

  • Impaired intestinal motility is one of the causes of belching rotten eggs and diarrhea in a child. Inflammatory diseases such as dysentery, salmonellosis and colitis provoke the disease. The intestinal walls can be affected by coarse undigested food, rotting and fermentation products. In most cases, the symptom complex is a protective reaction and promotes the rapid removal of toxins and other substances from the body.
  • Stenosis of the pylorus, which is the digestive sphincter separating the duodenum and stomach, is another reason for air to come out through the mouth with a rotten or putrid smell. The pylorus controls the flow of digested food into the alkaline intestinal environment from the acidic environment of the stomach. The pathology is characterized by vomiting, heartburn, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, and diarrhea.
  • Vitamin deficiency can also provoke diarrhea with belching. The child complains of a putrid-metallic taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, flatulence and signs of anemia are possible.

Belching rotten eggs and diarrhea in a child are common with food poisoning. The malaise occurs due to the consumption of spoiled food or toxic substances. Unpleasant symptoms are caused by various microbes: E. coli, Klebsiella, staphylococcal flora and their toxins. In addition to belching and diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, fever and general weakness appear. When the first signs of poisoning appear, you need to seek medical help. With minor intoxication, putrefactive aerophagia passes within 1-3 days, like other symptoms.

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First signs

Belching rotten eggs in most cases is a symptom of damage to the digestive organs. The first signs of the disease depend on a number of factors. First of all, it is necessary to clarify at what time aerophagia occurs, whether food intake affects its appearance and what products cause the disorder.

If the pathology is permanent, it is a sign of problems with the bile ducts, liver and gall bladder. The doctor should conduct a full examination of the child, take a number of tests and liver tests. If aerophagia appears after eating, then the baby has a deficiency in the production of pancreatic enzymes. If the unpleasant symptoms are accompanied by fever, then this is the first sign of food toxic infection with damage to the duodenum and stomach, that is, poisoning. If diarrhea and vomiting appear, it is necessary to take a test for salmonellosis.

Forms

According to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, rotten egg burp is classified in class XVIII Symptoms, signs and abnormal findings in clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified. The disorder may be included in category R14 Flatulence and related conditions, K21 Gastroesophageal reflux.

The ICD-10 code changes depending on the underlying cause of belching. If it is caused by gastrointestinal pathologies, it belongs to class XI Diseases of the digestive system. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor selects the appropriate code that corresponds to the pathological symptoms and the reason for their occurrence.

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Complications and consequences

Various pathological conditions of the body that persist for a long period of time lead to serious medical problems. The consequences of belching rotten eggs in children are varied and depend on additional symptoms. Let's consider the main diseases caused by putrefactive aerophagia.

  • Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. In children, it occurs due to improper nutrition. Frequent overeating, vitamin and mineral deficiencies provoke abdominal pain, foul belching, flatulence and other unpleasant symptoms. Treatment consists of diet therapy and medication.
  • Functional disorders in the stomach - prolonged aerophagia with an unpleasant odor leads to various pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Against this background, inflammation of the intestinal or stomach walls is possible, which leads to gastritis, liver disease and biliary tract.
  • Pyloric stenosis is a disease characterized by prolonged inflammatory processes in the stomach and duodenum. Without surgical intervention, it can lead to the development of an ulcer.

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Complications

In itself, burping up rotten eggs in children is a pathological symptom. The malaise may indicate gastrointestinal diseases or occur as a result of overeating, poor nutrition, various injuries to the digestive organs. In any case, if this symptom is left unattended, it can lead to serious consequences.

Complications of foul belching can cause stretching of the stomach walls and displacement of the esophageal sphincter. Such pathology leads to a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm. Let's consider the main complications of pathological aerophagia with a foul odor:

  • Decreased secretory function of the stomach.
  • Reduced enzymatic activity.
  • Gastritis.
  • Pyloric stenosis.
  • Intestinal bacteria.
  • Inflammatory processes in the small intestine, duodenum.
  • Dyskinesia of the biliary tract.
  • Cholecystitis.

All of the above mentioned diseases can be both a complication of belching and its root cause. Intolerance to certain foods, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, leads to food allergies and gastrointestinal disorders.

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Diagnostics baby's belching rotten food

Pathological aerophagia with an unpleasant odor is a condition that requires medical attention. Malaise always signals problems with the digestive system. Diagnosis of rotten egg belching in children begins with determining the cause that causes it.

The doctor collects anamnesis, focusing on the complaints and existing diseases of the child. It is necessary to know when regurgitation appears and how often, whether it is accompanied by additional symptoms (flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, constipation). For diagnostic purposes, an endoscopic examination of the stomach cavity, X-ray and radioisotope examination are performed. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor makes a treatment plan to eliminate the problem.

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Tests

Diagnosis of belching with a foul smell in pediatric patients is quite a complicated process. This is due to the fact that the unpleasant symptom may appear due to the immaturity of the patient's internal organs, elementary overeating, or as a result of serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. A mandatory stage of diagnosis is testing to identify the cause of the defect and draw up a plan for its treatment.

Tests for rotten egg burping are prescribed depending on the suspicion of a particular disease. It is mandatory to take tests to identify liver and gallbladder pathologies. The patient undergoes general blood and urine tests, blood for biochemistry (iron, bilirubin, enzymes). It is necessary to test for hepatitis A, B, C, and hormone levels. In addition, a test is carried out to identify parasites (helicobacter pylori, roundworms, helminths). Based on the test results, the doctor selects treatment, prescribes a gentle diet and other therapeutic measures.

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Instrumental diagnostics

In identifying any disease, special attention is paid to examination using various devices. Instrumental diagnostics for rotten belching is one of the methods for determining the cause of the ailment.

Instrumental diagnostics for rotten egg belching:

  • Gastric endoscopy is performed to detect various pathologies and inflammatory processes. Based on its results, a treatment plan is drawn up or additional diagnostic procedures are prescribed.
  • Puncture with sampling of gastric mucosa material – with its help it is possible to differentiate inflammatory diseases from oncological changes.
  • X-ray and radioisotope examination of the stomach.
  • Gastroscopy is an endoscopic method for examining the stomach, duodenum and esophagus. For examination, a special instrument, a gastroscope, is inserted into the stomach cavity through the mouth.

Pathological aerophagia indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract, so all studies are carried out by a gastroenterologist.

Differential diagnosis

Gastrointestinal tract diseases are quite common in pediatric patients. Such diseases are accompanied by pathological symptoms, the most unpleasant of which is belching with the smell of rotten eggs. Differential diagnostics allows us to identify the true cause of the disorder and separate it from pathologies with similar symptoms.

The main objective of the study is to differentiate functional diseases from cancerous ones. Belching is differentiated from such ailments as:

  • Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by a complex of gastrointestinal symptoms, but without biochemical or structural changes. They can occur with overeating, poisoning and pathological conditions of the central nervous system. Additional symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and general weakness.
  • Ulcerative colitis - occurs at any age, but in children most often in acute or chronic form. Along with belching, unstable stool with blood, intoxication of the body, abdominal pain and weight loss appear.
  • Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, frequent constipation and diarrhea, flatulence and, of course, foul belching.
  • Gastric and duodenal ulcers – the disease is most often diagnosed in school-age children. The pathology is characterized by a hereditary predisposition and is associated with the peculiarities of the functioning of the central nervous system. The main symptoms are pain in the navel and epigastrium, belching, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
  • Cholecystocholangitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the bile ducts. It is caused by infectious agents: streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, enterococci. Signs of the disease: a sharp increase in temperature, pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, aerophagia with a putrid odor.

In addition to the diseases described above, belching is differentiated from pancreatitis, congenital pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, duodenitis, enterocolitis and other diseases.

Treatment baby's belching rotten food

Elimination of diseases, the main symptom of which is rotten belching, depends on the age of the patient and the individual characteristics of his body. Treatment of belching with rotten eggs in children is based on the cause of its appearance. Before starting therapy, the doctor conducts a comprehensive examination.

Thus, if the pathology is caused by infectious processes, the patient is prescribed antibacterial drugs. With reduced enzyme activity, enzyme preparations, drugs to stimulate peristalsis and absorbents are used. In case of parasitic lesions, antiparasitic treatment is indicated.

If the symptom is caused by overeating and eating fatty, spicy food, the child is prescribed a diet to normalize the functioning of the digestive organs. If the pathological process appeared due to decreased activity of the stomach, then diet therapy is used. This treatment is based on limiting the consumption of such products: milk, legumes, nuts, legumes, some vegetables and fruits. Chicken eggs, red meat, fish, and offal are prohibited.

Medicines

Treatment of belching with the smell of rotten eggs is possible only after a medical examination. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor makes up an effective and safe treatment. Medicines are selected depending on the cause of the unpleasant symptom.

Let's look at the drugs used to eliminate foul belching in various diseases:

  • Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract – diet therapy, probiotics (Bifidumbacterin, Linex, Hilak-forte, Bifiliz), prebiotics, lactobacilli, prokinetics (Dimetpramide, Bromopride, Domperidone), painkillers for abdominal pain and other drugs.
  • Gastritis – diet, antacids for normal and high acidity (Rennie, Ranitidine, Alumag, Almagel) and other medications depending on additional symptoms.
  • Gastric and duodenal ulcers - drugs are selected depending on the stage of the disease. If Helicobacter pylori is detected in the tests, then antibacterial agents are prescribed for treatment. Based on the degree of disorders, the doctor can prescribe Pancreatin, various vitamin complexes, diet and antacid therapy.
  • Cholecystocholangitis - diet No. 5, vitamin and choleretic drugs. In case of exacerbation of the disease, antibiotics (Erythromycin, Oxacillin, Nystanin), enzymes (Pancreatin, Abomin) and other medications are prescribed.

Folk remedies

Treatment of any disease in childhood is a complex process, since many drugs are contraindicated for use. Folk treatment is not a full-fledged alternative to traditional therapy, but can be used as an additional remedy. Let's consider popular folk methods for eliminating rotten egg burps in children:

  • Every day for 2-3 months the patient needs to drink a glass of goat milk after each meal. This remedy is suitable even for the smallest patients.
  • If belching with an unpleasant odor is accompanied by heartburn, then to eliminate them you need to eat a raw carrot, apple, or suck on a piece of ice.
  • A decoction of calamus root has medicinal properties. The plant must be dried, ground into powder and swallowed with water.
  • Take 20 g of calamus root, silverweed, sweet clover, hop cones and heather. Mix all ingredients and pour a glass of boiling water. Boil the remedy, cool and take ½ glass after meals.
  • ½ glass of carrot and potato juice should be drunk every day in the morning and evening before meals until aerophagia passes.

The use of traditional methods for treating children is possible only with appropriate medical permission.

Herbal treatment

To eliminate pathological regurgitation of rotten eggs in children, many methods are used. Herbal treatment is another way to normalize the functioning of the child's gastrointestinal tract. Let's consider effective herbal treatment recipes:

  • Mix 100 g of aloe and cranberry juice with a spoon of honey and pour 250 ml of warm water over the mixture. The resulting drink should be taken 3 times a day, one tablespoon at a time, for a week. Repeat the course after a month.
  • Take 40 g of bogbean leaves, 30 g of dill seeds, yarrow and peppermint flowers, 60 g of St. John's wort. Mix all the ingredients, pour boiling water over them and leave for 2-3 hours. The resulting remedy should be filtered and taken 10-20 g 30-40 minutes before meals.
  • Mix 25 g of crushed yarrow flowers with mint leaves, fennel and chicory root. Pour 1.5 liters of boiling water over the resulting mixture and let it brew for 1-2 hours. Drink the infusion 3 times a day after meals.
  • Grind 100 g of leaves and peel of green walnuts into a pulp. Pour 1 liter of vodka over the mixture and leave for a month, shaking occasionally. After a month, strain and add honey to improve the taste. The medicine is taken 30 g before meals for 30 days. This remedy is suitable for treating belching in older children.

Homeopathy

Another alternative method of treating rotten egg burps is homeopathy. The use of homeopathic remedies by children is possible only after a full examination and selection of the most suitable remedy by a homeopathic doctor.

Let's look at homeopathic remedies for the treatment of aerophagia:

  • Caladium seguinum (Dieffenbachia) – putrid eructations with a feeling of a full stomach.
  • Sepia (Cuttlefish ink) - sour belching or with a taste of rotten eggs.
  • Antimonium tartaricum, Tartarus emeticus (tartar emetic, tartaric salt of antimony and potassium) – rotten eggs.
  • Graphites (Graphite) – rotten.
  • Magnesium muriaticum (Magnesium chloride) and Magnesium sulfuricum (Magnesium sulfate - with an unpleasant smell of rotten eggs.
  • Thuja occidentalis (Western Thuja, Tree of Life) - putrid, rancid belch.

In addition to the above-described drugs, Valeriana officinalis, Carbo vegetabilis can be used for treatment of pathologies that are accompanied by dyspeptic disorders and arise due to intolerance to fatty foods. Select the dosage individually for each patient.

Surgical treatment

If drug therapy has not brought the expected result in eliminating belching with the smell of hydrogen sulfide, then more radical methods are used. Surgical treatment is carried out if the disorder is a symptom of a gastrointestinal disease that requires surgical intervention.

Most often, the operation is prescribed for pathological congenital diseases or stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach. The child undergoes pyloromyotomy. This operation is minimally invasive. The doctor makes a small incision in the navel area and cuts the wall of the pylorus with a laparoscope. This opens the normal communication between the stomach and intestines. Recovery after such an operation is easy and fast. Surgical intervention does not cause complications, but has a noticeable positive effect.

Prevention

There are several methods to prevent rotten burps in children, but diet therapy is considered the most effective. Prevention is based on the following rules:

  • Minimize the consumption of sulfur-containing products (milk, eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, various preservatives, dried fruits, legumes, strong tea and coffee, seeds and nuts, cabbage, bananas, watermelon) and gluten. Make sure that the child does not overeat and that his diet does not include fatty, spicy or fried foods.
  • If a child has a peptic ulcer, stomach discomfort, heartburn or gastric reflux, then you need to take a Helicobacter pylori test and consult a gastroenterologist.
  • If belching is accompanied by loose stools or stools with pus, this may indicate an infection caused by intestinal lamblia. Antiparasitic agents are used for treatment and prevention.

If the above methods do not help prevent relapse of the pathology, then medical assistance is required.

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Forecast

In most cases, rotten belching is not dangerous for the human body. The prognosis of the disorder depends entirely on the underlying disease that caused it. If the defect is associated with overeating, then it is enough to follow dietary recommendations. In this case, the prognosis is favorable. But if aerophagia is associated with gastrointestinal diseases, oncological processes, then the prognosis depends on the correctness of the diagnosis and the results of the treatment.

Rotten egg burps in children are an unpleasant symptom that should not be ignored. A healthy diet and regular checkups can help prevent diseases that cause this disorder.


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