Toronto, Canada – A 50-year-old woman in Toronto experienced a bizarre medical mystery that left her feeling drunk without consuming any alcohol. For two years, she visited various doctors and emergency rooms with symptoms of dizziness, disorientation, and fainting, only for her concerns to be dismissed. It wasn’t until the seventh visit that a doctor finally recognized her condition as auto-brewery syndrome.
Auto-brewery syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare condition where bacteria and fungi in the gut convert carbohydrates into ethanol, leading to high alcohol levels in the bloodstream. Patients with this syndrome may exhibit symptoms of intoxication without consuming alcohol. The woman’s case was detailed in a report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal by Dr. Rahel Zewude, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto.
The woman’s alcohol levels were found to be exceptionally high, ranging from 30 to 62 millimoles per liter, which is far above the normal range. Despite denying drinking alcohol due to religious beliefs and being supported by her husband, she faced skepticism from medical professionals who questioned her habits. It wasn’t until a specialist recognized the symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome that she received appropriate treatment.
Barbara Cordell, president of an advocacy group for auto-brewery syndrome, highlighted the challenges faced by patients with the condition, including disbelief and misdiagnosis. The syndrome can be triggered by factors like diabetes, liver disease, and gut microbiome imbalances, requiring a tailored treatment approach involving antifungal medications and a low-carb diet.
Dr. Zewude emphasized the importance of early recognition and management of auto-brewery syndrome, as each individual’s experience with the condition can vary. By staying in close communication with healthcare providers and following a strict treatment regimen, patients can effectively manage the symptoms of this rare and often misunderstood disorder.
Moving forward, raising awareness about auto-brewery syndrome and its complexities is crucial to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate care for affected individuals. By shedding light on this relatively unknown condition, healthcare professionals can better support patients like the woman from Toronto in navigating the challenges posed by auto-brewery syndrome.