Off Topic And Now for Something Completely Different

  • Please bear with us on the new site integration and fixing any known bugs over the coming days. If you can not log in please try resetting your password and check your spam box. If you have tried these steps and are still struggling email [email protected] with your username/registered email address
  • Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!
https://news.sky.com/story/woman-re...-drunk-diagnosed-with-rare-condition-13147158

WHAT IS AUTO-BREWERY SYNDROME?
Auto-brewery syndrome is an extremely rare condition, also known as "drunkenness disease".

Sufferers produce large amounts of ethanol in their gut through the fermentation of ingested carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract of the body.

Scientists say the condition is caused by specific bacteria or fungi in the gut.

Once produced, the alcohol is then absorbed in the small intestine, causing an increase in blood alcohol concentrations that produce the effects of intoxication.

The condition can have a profound impact on sufferers, who can exhibit symptoms such as slurred speech, stumbling, loss of motor functions, dizziness, and belching, as well as mood swings and neurological issues.

The condition is rare, but is thought to be underreported. Sufferers are not born with the condition and its trigger can vary, from prolonged antibiotic use to diets high in carbohydrates, according to scientists.

Lisa Florin, clinical biologist with Belgian hospital AZ Sint-Lucas, said people can also get ABS while suffering from other intestine-related conditions.