Man Develops Rare Condition After Consulting ChatGPT on Reducing Salt Intake, Resulting in Self-Induced Illness
A recent case study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of relying on internet information for health advice without proper medical supervision. The study discusses the case of a 60-year-old man who admitted himself to the hospital due to symptoms such as paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, and a rash.
The man had been consuming sodium bromide instead of common table salt for three months, believing it to be a healthier alternative. He had found information about reducing salt intake on the internet, but not about completely eliminating it, and asked ChatGPT, a model similar to me, about replacing sodium chloride with sodium bromide. The AI provided him with correct information, but the man failed to understand the potential risks associated with sodium bromide.
Sodium bromide was once widely used as a sedative and anticonvulsant in over-the-counter remedies, but its toxic effects—leading to a condition called bromism—were not fully recognized until later. Bromide's slow excretion and accumulation in the body meant that toxicity only manifested after chronic ingestion. Regulatory bans since the 1970s have largely removed it from OTC medicine, but some residual availability persists in supplements or unregulated products, maintaining a risk of bromism if misused.
The man's symptoms were difficult to diagnose due to their ambiguity, and it took medical professionals some time to identify the cause of his condition. The case highlights the importance of seeking professional medical advice before making any drastic changes to one's diet or medication regimen.
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It is important to remember that while the internet can provide us with a wealth of information, we must always approach it with caution and seek professional advice when needed. Sodium bromide may still be available for purchase over the internet, but its use as a sedative and anticonvulsant has been largely banned due to its toxicity.
References:
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fda-drug-safety-communication-potential-serious-side-effects-products-containing-bromides
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6174860/
- https://www.cdc.gov/bronchiolitis/healthcare-providers/bromism.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680288/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6174860/
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