A 50-year-old woman in Toronto was diagnosed with a rare condition known as auto-brewery syndrome after repeatedly visiting the hospital with symptoms of slurred speech and extreme tiredness, despite claims of sobriety. Over two years, she made seven emergency room visits, where doctors initially diagnosed her with alcohol intoxication. Elevated blood alcohol levels were detected although she hadn't consumed any alcohol.
Auto-brewery syndrome occurs when fungi in the gastrointestinal tract, typically Saccharomyces and Candida species, ferment carbohydrates into alcohol. The woman had been taking antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors for recurrent urinary tract infections, which contributed to the overgrowth of these fungi.
Her condition finally received proper attention when an emergency doctor considered auto-brewery syndrome during her seventh visit. The patient was prescribed antifungal medication and a low-carbohydrate diet, which alleviated her symptoms.
Awareness of auto-brewery syndrome is crucial due to its significant social, legal, and medical implications for patients, highlighting the necessity for accurate diagnosis and effective management.