Autobrewery: Understanding the syndrome that makes a person appear drunk even without drinking alcohol

Know the symptoms of the disease that causes a person to have high blood alcohol levels even if they have not consumed alcoholic beverages

An unusual case has attracted the attention of the Belgian authorities. A 40-year-old man had to prove a rare health condition after being charged with drink driving due to high levels of ethanol in his blood. He suffers from the syndrome called “autobrewery” or intestinal fermentation syndrome.

In a study published in National Library of Medicine (NIH), autobrewery syndrome (ABS) is considered a rare disease, characterized by the production of alcohol within the body. In other words, a person can have high blood alcohol levels even if they have not consumed alcohol.

Symptoms

In some cases, patients experience dizziness, disorientation, and impaired motor skills. In most cases, ABS is treated with dietary changes and antifungal medications, as it usually appears after existing intestinal problems.

Some people still report feeling faint, nauseated, vomiting, difficulty speaking, or blurred vision. In addition to incoherent speech and glassy eyes, frequent falls may also occur.

Risk factors

According to the study, risk factors for ABS include gastrointestinal abnormalities, prolonged antibiotic use, and diets that promote microbial fermentation, such as those high in carbohydrates.

Some studies have reported an association of the syndrome between patients with diabetes and cirrhosis, finding higher blood ethanol concentrations compared to healthy controls.

“They compared the level of ethanol in the blood of 50 patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes with healthy individuals after 12 hours of fasting. All participants had never consumed alcohol before the study. Blood ethanol levels were significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes compared to those in the control group,” the study states.

Diagnosis

Due to its rarity and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, ABS requires detailed diagnosis. The researchers suggest taking a detailed history of the patient, including eating habits, alcohol consumption and gastrointestinal symptoms.

A complete physical exam is also essential to detect unexplained ethanol poisoning. Some patients experience symptoms more frequently if they suffer from intestinal obstruction, gastroparesis, or liver dysfunction in addition to ABS.

“ABS can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of alcohol abuse or psychiatric disorders. Accurate measurement of blood alcohol concentration and a controlled carbohydrate diet are required for diagnosis,” the scientists say.

The study highlights that it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of imbalance in the growth of microorganisms found naturally in the intestine and their role in the development of the disease to develop effective treatments.

Find out how to avoid a hangover after drinking at parties

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.