Auto-brewery syndrome: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Auto-brewery syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:2401_Components_of_the_Digestive_System.jpg|left|thumb|Digestive system components]] | |||
| caption = Components of the digestive system | |||
| synonyms = Gut fermentation syndrome, endogenous ethanol fermentation | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Intoxication]], [[dizziness]], [[headache]], [[dry mouth]], [[hangover]] | |||
| complications = [[Liver disease]], [[pancreatitis]] | |||
| onset = Can occur at any age | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Overgrowth of [[yeast]] in the [[gastrointestinal tract]] | |||
| risks = [[Antibiotic]] use, [[diet high in carbohydrates]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood alcohol test]], [[stool culture]] | |||
| differential = [[Alcohol use disorder]], [[metabolic disorders]] | |||
| prevention = [[Dietary modification]], [[probiotics]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antifungal medications]], [[dietary changes]] | |||
| medication = [[Fluconazole]], [[nystatin]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on management | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
Auto-brewery Syndrome | Auto-brewery Syndrome | ||
[[File:2401 Components of the Digestive System.jpg|left|thumb|Components of the Digestive System]] | |||
[[File:2401 Components of the Digestive System.jpg|thumb|Components of the Digestive System]] | [[File:Ethanol fermentation.jpg|left|thumb|Ethanol fermentation process]] | ||
[[File:Ethanol fermentation.jpg|thumb|Ethanol fermentation process]] | |||
'''Auto-brewery syndrome''', also known as '''gut fermentation syndrome''', is a rare medical condition in which intoxicating quantities of ethanol are produced through endogenous fermentation within the digestive system. This condition can lead to symptoms of intoxication without the consumption of alcoholic beverages. | '''Auto-brewery syndrome''', also known as '''gut fermentation syndrome''', is a rare medical condition in which intoxicating quantities of ethanol are produced through endogenous fermentation within the digestive system. This condition can lead to symptoms of intoxication without the consumption of alcoholic beverages. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Auto-brewery syndrome occurs when certain types of yeast or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract ferment carbohydrates into ethanol. The most commonly implicated organism is ''[[Saccharomyces cerevisiae]]'', a type of yeast that is also used in baking and brewing. Other organisms, such as ''[[Candida albicans]]'', have also been associated with this condition. | Auto-brewery syndrome occurs when certain types of yeast or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract ferment carbohydrates into ethanol. The most commonly implicated organism is ''[[Saccharomyces cerevisiae]]'', a type of yeast that is also used in baking and brewing. Other organisms, such as ''[[Candida albicans]]'', have also been associated with this condition. | ||
The fermentation process is similar to the [[ethanol fermentation]] used in brewing, where sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In individuals with auto-brewery syndrome, this process occurs within the [[digestive system]], leading to elevated blood alcohol levels. | The fermentation process is similar to the [[ethanol fermentation]] used in brewing, where sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In individuals with auto-brewery syndrome, this process occurs within the [[digestive system]], leading to elevated blood alcohol levels. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome can vary but often include: | Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome can vary but often include: | ||
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* Hangover-like symptoms | * Hangover-like symptoms | ||
* Mood changes | * Mood changes | ||
These symptoms can occur after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals, as the carbohydrates are fermented into alcohol. | These symptoms can occur after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals, as the carbohydrates are fermented into alcohol. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosing auto-brewery syndrome can be challenging due to its rarity and the variability of symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves: | Diagnosing auto-brewery syndrome can be challenging due to its rarity and the variability of symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves: | ||
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* Stool cultures to identify yeast or bacteria responsible for fermentation. | * Stool cultures to identify yeast or bacteria responsible for fermentation. | ||
* Dietary history to identify potential triggers. | * Dietary history to identify potential triggers. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for auto-brewery syndrome may include: | Treatment for auto-brewery syndrome may include: | ||
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* Antifungal or antibiotic medications to reduce the population of fermenting organisms in the gut. | * Antifungal or antibiotic medications to reduce the population of fermenting organisms in the gut. | ||
* Probiotics to restore normal gut flora. | * Probiotics to restore normal gut flora. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
With appropriate treatment, many individuals with auto-brewery syndrome can manage their symptoms effectively. However, the condition can be chronic and may require ongoing management. | With appropriate treatment, many individuals with auto-brewery syndrome can manage their symptoms effectively. However, the condition can be chronic and may require ongoing management. | ||
==Also see== | ==Also see== | ||
* [[Ethanol fermentation]] | * [[Ethanol fermentation]] | ||
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* [[Candida albicans]] | * [[Candida albicans]] | ||
* [[Digestive system]] | * [[Digestive system]] | ||
{{Digestive system diseases}} | {{Digestive system diseases}} | ||
{{Alcohol-related disorders}} | {{Alcohol-related disorders}} | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Alcohol-related disorders]] | [[Category:Alcohol-related disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:50, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Auto-brewery syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Gut fermentation syndrome, endogenous ethanol fermentation |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Intoxication, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, hangover |
| Complications | Liver disease, pancreatitis |
| Onset | Can occur at any age |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Overgrowth of yeast in the gastrointestinal tract |
| Risks | Antibiotic use, diet high in carbohydrates |
| Diagnosis | Blood alcohol test, stool culture |
| Differential diagnosis | Alcohol use disorder, metabolic disorders |
| Prevention | Dietary modification, probiotics |
| Treatment | Antifungal medications, dietary changes |
| Medication | Fluconazole, nystatin |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on management |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Auto-brewery Syndrome


Auto-brewery syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare medical condition in which intoxicating quantities of ethanol are produced through endogenous fermentation within the digestive system. This condition can lead to symptoms of intoxication without the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Auto-brewery syndrome occurs when certain types of yeast or bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract ferment carbohydrates into ethanol. The most commonly implicated organism is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of yeast that is also used in baking and brewing. Other organisms, such as Candida albicans, have also been associated with this condition. The fermentation process is similar to the ethanol fermentation used in brewing, where sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In individuals with auto-brewery syndrome, this process occurs within the digestive system, leading to elevated blood alcohol levels.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome can vary but often include:
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Hangover-like symptoms
- Mood changes
These symptoms can occur after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals, as the carbohydrates are fermented into alcohol.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing auto-brewery syndrome can be challenging due to its rarity and the variability of symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves:
- Monitoring blood alcohol levels over time, especially after carbohydrate consumption.
- Stool cultures to identify yeast or bacteria responsible for fermentation.
- Dietary history to identify potential triggers.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for auto-brewery syndrome may include:
- Dietary modifications to reduce carbohydrate intake.
- Antifungal or antibiotic medications to reduce the population of fermenting organisms in the gut.
- Probiotics to restore normal gut flora.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate treatment, many individuals with auto-brewery syndrome can manage their symptoms effectively. However, the condition can be chronic and may require ongoing management.
Also see[edit]
| Diseases of the human digestive system | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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