Woman diagnosed with rare condition that makes her appear drunk

Auto-Brewery Syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome or endogenous ethanol fermentation, is an extremely rare condition where the body produces ethanol (alcohol) due to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This results in chronic intoxication, giving the affected person symptoms similar to being drunk.

The exact cause of Auto-Brewery Syndrome is not well understood, but it's believed to be linked to various factors such as:

1. Dysbiosis: An imbalance of microorganisms in the gut, leading to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria capable of producing alcohol.

2. Impaired absorption: A decrease in the ability to absorb alcohol properly due to damage to the intestinal wall or other conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease.

3. Increased production: An increase in the production of ethanol due to an overproduction of yeast or bacteria in the gut.

Symptoms of Auto-Brewery Syndrome may include:

1. Chronic intoxication

2. Flushing

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Dizziness and unsteadiness

5. Confusion and disorientation

6. Memory loss

7. Slurred speech

8. Impaired coordination

9. Increased heart rate

10. Difficulty breathing

Diagnosis of this condition can be challenging due to its rarity and the symptoms being similar to those of other conditions like alcoholism or liver disease. A definitive diagnosis requires a series of tests such as:

1. Blood tests to measure ethanol levels

2. Breath tests to measure ethanol levels

3. Stool tests to identify yeast or bacteria overgrowth

4. Endoscopy to examine the gastrointestinal tract

5. Biopsy to examine tissue samples

Treatment for Auto-Brewery Syndrome involves addressing the underlying cause, such as:

1. Antibiotics to eliminate the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria

2. Antifungal medications to treat yeast overgrowth

3. Dietary modifications to eliminate foods that feed yeast or bacteria

4. Probiotics to restore a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut

5. Surgery to remove damaged or diseased parts of the gastrointestinal tract

It's important to note that Auto-Brewery Syndrome should not be confused with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), where an individual voluntarily consumes alcohol and develops a dependency. While both conditions may present similar symptoms, the causes and treatments are vastly different.

In conclusion, Auto-Brewery Syndrome is an extremely rare condition where the body produces ethanol due to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include chronic intoxication and various other symptoms similar to being drunk. Diagnosis and treatment involve addressing the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, antifungal medications, dietary modifications, probiotics, and surgery.