For almost a decade, Eric Poulin has been experiencing episodes resembling intoxication, despite abstaining from alcohol consumption. This Nova Scotia resident suffers from auto-brewery syndrome, a condition where his body produces ethanol faster than it can metabolize it, leading to intoxication without alcohol consumption. At home, he would have alarming episodes that he couldn’t recall, with his children recounting instances of him crying and expressing fear of death.
Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare condition, with fewer than 100 documented cases according to the Cleveland Clinic. The syndrome is not extensively researched, making it challenging to diagnose. Dr. Rahel Zewude, who has treated patients with this syndrome, explains that it results from an overgrowth of alcohol-fermenting microorganisms in the gut, leading to continuous fermentation, elevated alcohol levels, and symptoms of intoxication.
Common symptoms of the syndrome, such as slurred speech, alcohol-like odor, and cognitive impairment, often manifest unpredictably. Dr. Luke Chen, a hematologist at Dalhousie University, specializing in rare diseases, is assisting Poulin in finding appropriate support and treatment. Despite adopting a low-carb diet and undergoing antifungal therapy, Poulin’s symptoms persist, prompting exploration of a fecal microbiota transplant as a potential solution.
Poulin’s wife, Sarah, closely monitors his symptoms and advocates for better recognition of auto-brewery syndrome, launching an app named ABStrack to help individuals track their symptoms and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Poulin’s life has been significantly impacted by the syndrome, preventing him from working since 2023 and posing challenges in his role as a father to five children. The uncertainties of living with auto-brewery syndrome have drastically altered his daily life and future prospects.