In a unique case in Brussels city of Belgium, a person has been acquitted of the charge of drunk driving. This man proved in the court that his body produces alcohol on its own. This rare metabolic disease is called Auto-Brewery Syndrome.
Generally, we know that drinking alcohol increases the level of alcohol in the blood. However auto-brewery syndrome is a rare disease in which some yeast or bacteria present in the intestines ferment carbohydrates and produce alcohol. This alcohol enters the bloodstream and can cause symptoms similar to drinking alcohol, such as dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, vomiting, and loss of coordination.
Who is at greater risk of this disease?
This disease is usually found in people who consume excessive carbohydrate and sugar-rich diets. Apart from this, some medicines can also trigger this syndrome.
Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome
- Slight odor of alcohol on the breath
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Impaired coordination
- Fainting
- Mood swings
Treatment of Auto-Brewery Syndrome
There is no definite cure for Auto-Brewery Syndrome, but some measures can be taken to control the symptoms, such as:
- By changing the diet. The patient should reduce the intake of carbohydrates and sugar.
- Adding probiotics to the diet. This increases the number of good bacteria in the intestines.
- Some medicines can help stop the production of alcohol. However, for this, you will have to contact a doctor.
How this matter came to light:
This matter came to light when the police stopped this person during routine checking and suspected him of drinking alcohol. His result in the breath analyzer test came positive. But the man insisted that he had not consumed any alcohol. After investigation, it was found that he was suffering from auto-brewery syndrome. Three different doctors examined him and confirmed his illness. Keeping this medical report in mind, the court acquitted the person. The judge also emphasized in his decision that the man was not showing any signs of being drunk at the time of his arrest.
Photo Credits: Google
