Auto-Brewery Syndrome: Causes and Treatment Options

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr A Venkateshwar Rao , Gastroenterologists Medical

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Auto-brewery syndrome, also known as drunkenness disease, is a rare condition where the body itself produces alcohol inside the gut. This happens when certain fungi or bacteria, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ferment the carbohydrates you eat into ethanol.

This condition can affect a person's health by making them feel drunk, which can disturb their daily life and overall health.

What are the Types of Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

Types of ABS may vary in their underlying causes, severity, and response to treatment.

Primary Auto-Brewery Syndrome: Caused by gut microbes producing excess alcohol from carbohydrates, leading to intoxication without consuming alcohol.
Secondary Auto-Brewery Syndrome happens due to medical conditions like diabetes or digestive problems, which upset the gut's natural balance and cause alcohol production.
Antibiotic-Induced Auto-Brewery Syndrome occurs when antibiotics disturb gut bacteria, leading to yeast like Candida growing too much and turning carbohydrates into alcohol.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Auto-Brewery Syndrome: Develops after bariatric surgery due to changes in gut physiology, leading to alcohol production from undigested carbohydrates.
Idiopathic Auto-Brewery Syndrome: Cases where no clear cause is identified, making diagnosis and treatment more difficult.

What are the Auto-Brewery Syndrome Symptoms?

Symptoms of Auto-brewery Syndrome can vary in severity and may worsen after consuming carbohydrate-rich foods.

Common symptoms include:

Dizziness and lack of coordination
Confusion and memory problems
Fatigue and drowsiness
Slurred speech
Mood swings like irritability or depression
Nausea and digestive issues
Headaches
Breath smelling of alcohol
Difficulty concentrating

What are the Auto-Brewery Syndrome Causes?

Auto-brewery Syndrome (ABS), or drunkenness disease, is caused by the overgrowth of certain fungi or bacteria in the gut that ferment carbohydrates into alcohol. Common causes include:

Gut Microbial Imbalance: Overgrowth of yeast-like Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Candida can lead to alcohol production.
Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt healthy gut bacteria, allowing yeast to thrive and ferment sugars.
Medical Conditions: Diabetes, obesity, or gastrointestinal disorders can disturb gut flora and trigger alcohol fermentation.
Dietary Factors: High-carbohydrate or sugary diets provide fuel for fermentation.
Post-Bariatric Surgery: Changes in gut anatomy after weight-loss surgery can increase alcohol production.
Weakened Immune System: Reduced immunity may allow harmful microbes to overgrow and cause fermentation.

In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown, leading to idiopathic Auto-Brewery Syndrome.

When to See a Gastroenterologist for Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

Auto-Brewery Syndrome can severely disrupt daily life, causing unpredictable intoxication without alcohol consumption. Recognizing when symptoms require professional evaluation or emergency care is essential for managing this rare but serious metabolic condition.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Repeated episodes of dizziness, confusion, or feeling intoxicated without consuming any alcohol.
Persistent bloating, chronic fatigue, or digestive issues that do not improve with dietary changes.
Unexpectedly failing a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test despite not drinking any alcohol.

Get medical help immediately if:

You experience severe disorientation, loss of consciousness, or dangerously high blood alcohol levels.
Sudden difficulty breathing, extreme confusion, or inability to stand or speak properly occur.
You develop signs of organ distress such as jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or rapid heart rate.

These could be signs of a serious complication like Auto-Brewery Syndrome, which needs urgent care from medical gastroenterologist.

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How is the Diagnosis of Auto-Brewery Syndrome Done?

Blood Alcohol Tests: Measure blood alcohol levels without alcohol consumption.
Carbohydrate Challenge Test: Monitors blood alcohol spikes after consuming carbohydrate-rich foods.
Stool Analysis: Identifies yeast or bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
Medical History Review: Assesses factors like antibiotic use, gastrointestinal conditions, or past surgeries.
Symptom Tracking: Observe intoxication-like symptoms after eating carbohydrates.

What is the Treatment for Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

Dietary Changes: Reduce carbohydrates and sugar to limit alcohol production.
Antifungal/Bacterial Medications: Treat yeast or bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
Probiotics: Restore healthy gut flora and balance the microbiome.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Address related issues like diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid alcohol, monitor diet, and follow medical guidance to prevent recurrence.

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Prevention of Auto-Brewery Syndrome

Eat a Balanced Diet: Cut down on high-carb and sugary foods to avoid excess fermentation in the gut.
Take Care of Gut Health: Include probiotics to keep your gut bacteria in balance and prevent yeast overgrowth.
Use Antibiotics Carefully: Take antibiotics only when absolutely needed, as they can disturb the gut's natural balance.
Manage Health Conditions: Keep medical issues like diabetes and digestive problems under control to prevent gut disturbances.
Watch for Symptoms: Pay attention to signs like feeling drunk without drinking and consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Post-Surgery Care: After bariatric surgery, follow your doctor's advice to maintain proper gut health.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, stay active, and go for regular health check-ups to keep your gut in good shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Auto-Brewery Syndrome a permanent condition?

With proper management and lifestyle changes, many individuals with ABS can experience symptom relief and improved quality of life.

2. What are the complications of Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

Auto-brewery syndrome can cause chronic fatigue, mood changes, digestive issues, alcohol-like impairment, and social or legal problems. If untreated, it may lead to liver damage or mental health concerns due to continuous alcohol production.

3. Is Auto-Brewery Syndrome fatal?

Auto-brewery syndrome is not usually fatal, but severe cases can lead to alcohol toxicity, impaired judgment, and health complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious risks and long-term effects.

4. What foods should be avoided with Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

Avoid foods high in carbohydrates and sugars, including bread, pasta, alcohol, and fermented products. Reducing these helps limit yeast growth and alcohol production in the gut, improving symptom management.

5. Can Auto-Brewery Syndrome be cured?

While there is no guaranteed cure, Auto-Brewery Syndrome can be managed effectively with dietary changes, antifungal medications, and probiotics. Proper treatment helps control symptoms and reduce alcohol production.

6. How rare is Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

Auto-brewery syndrome is extremely rare, with only a few documented cases worldwide. It is often underdiagnosed due to its unusual symptoms, but awareness is increasing, leading to more reported cases.