For almost a decade, Eric Poulin has been experiencing episodes that mimic drunkenness, despite abstaining from alcohol entirely. Poulin, a resident of Nova Scotia, suffers from auto-brewery syndrome, a condition where his gut produces ethanol at a faster rate than his body can metabolize it, leading to intoxication without alcohol consumption.
In his own home, Poulin faced alarming episodes that he had no memory of afterward. Recounting the events, he mentioned instances where he was reportedly crying and expressing fears of imminent death, yet he had no recollection of these incidents.
Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare condition, with fewer than 100 documented cases according to the Cleveland Clinic. The syndrome remains understudied, making it challenging to recognize and diagnose accurately. Dr. Rahel Zewude explained that the syndrome stems from an overgrowth of alcohol-fermenting microorganisms in the gut, resulting in continuous alcohol fermentation, elevated alcohol levels, and symptoms of intoxication.
Poulin’s symptoms, which may include slurred speech, smelling of alcohol, and cognitive impairment, manifest unpredictably. Dr. Luke Chen, a hematologist and professor at Dalhousie University, specializing in rare diseases, is assisting Poulin in finding appropriate support and treatment options.
Management of auto-brewery syndrome typically involves adopting a low-carbohydrate diet and undergoing antifungal therapy. Despite Poulin’s attempts to modify his diet and follow antifungal treatment under expert guidance, his symptoms persist. As a potential solution, Poulin’s medical team is exploring a fecal microbiota transplant encapsulated treatment to restore healthy gut bacteria.
Poulin’s wife, Sarah, closely monitors his symptoms and advocates for his case, believing that auto-brewery syndrome is often underdiagnosed. To aid individuals like Poulin, who may struggle with similar challenges, she plans to launch an app called ABStrack. This app aims to assist individuals with auto-brewery syndrome in tracking their symptoms effectively and presenting them to healthcare providers.
Living with auto-brewery syndrome has significantly impacted Poulin’s life, preventing him from working since 2023 and posing challenges in his role as a father to five children. The unpredictable nature of his condition limits his daily activities and leaves him uncertain about the future, causing substantial disruptions in his life.
