AI Diet Advice Turns Dangerous: ChatGPT Plan Lands Man In ER With Bromide Poisoning

Updated Aug 11, 2025 | 04:00 AM IST

SummaryA man developed bromide poisoning with severe psychiatric symptoms after following ChatGPT’s advice to replace table salt with sodium bromide, highlighting risks of AI-generated health misinformation.
AI Diet Advice Turns Dangerous: ChatGPT Plan Lands Man In ER With Bromide Poisoning

Credits: Canva

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we obtain information, particularly health advice. Chatbots such as ChatGPT respond with rapid answers to thousands of medical and lifestyle-related questions, filling in the gap between scientific understanding and common people. But when AI gives medical advice without context, the results are dangerous. A recent Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases case shows just how perilous this can be—a 60-year-old man presented to the emergency room with bromide poisoning after undergoing a ChatGPT-recommended diet regimen that replaced table salt with sodium bromide.

The patient had first tried to limit his intake of chloride after reading the health dangers of high sodium chloride (table salt). Puzzled by the absence of information on reducing chloride, he approached ChatGPT for advice on substitutes. Although the actual conversation is not available to the public, medical researchers discovered that ChatGPT recommended bromide as a substitute for chloride. Encouraged by this, the man bought sodium bromide online and completely replaced it for his ordinary salt.

This uninformed decision under medical supervision proved catastrophic. Bromide, a toxic chemical once used extensively in over-the-counter sedatives and anticonvulsants in the 19th and 20th centuries, is capable of storing up in the body and inducing bromism—a neurotoxic syndrome associated with psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Although bromide was largely removed from medicines during the 1970s and 80s, it can still be found in certain dietary supplements and household cleaners and continues to result in occasional but severe poisonings.

What Is Bromism?

Bromism, the condition diagnosed in this man, is a "toxidrome"—a syndrome resulting from toxin accumulation. Its signature is neuropsychiatric disturbance: paranoia, hallucinations, mania, agitation, delusions, impaired memory, and coordination of muscles. These symptoms result from bromide's interference with neuron function by accmulating in the body over time, especially when taken chronically.

Laboratory examination of the patient's blood showed a deceptively high level of chloride, a condition known as pseudohyperchloremia, due to the interference of bromide in laboratory tests. In combination with elevated blood alkalinity and carbon dioxide content, these indications directed physicians toward bromide poisoning.

The course of the man in the hospital was complicated by worsening paranoia and hallucinations, necessitating involuntary psychiatric hold and antipsychotic medication. Physical manifestations such as acne on his face, red facial growths, insomnia, fatigue, coordination problems of the muscles, and excessive thirst also confirmed the diagnosis.

Why It Is Important To Limits AI in Medical Advice?

This scenario highlights one of the most important defects in AI-provided health recommendations: decontextualized information. ChatGPT's suggestion to replace sodium chloride with sodium bromide demonstrates how AI can generate technically accurate yet practically hazardous responses when deprived of extensive context or clinical judgment. ChatGPT did not inquire why the patient was attempting to decrease chloride or caution against bromide's toxicity—steps a trained physician would take automatically.

Scholars repeated the question with ChatGPT 3.5 and also got recommendations such as bromide in place of chloride, but with reservations that "context matters." However, no warning was given explicitly, highlighting the danger of users following incomplete or unsafe recommendations.

This event is not singular. Researchers who have examined large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT discovered that these models are susceptible to "adversarial hallucinations" in which they produce false or deceptive clinical information. While engineering solutions can minimize such errors, they cannot eliminate them completely.

The advent of AI-driven health advice platforms is an unprecedented chance but also presents new challenges. To patients, the ease and cost-free nature of instant answers can override the need for expert counsel. To clinicians, such cases introduce another layer of complexity in assessing patient histories based on AI-driven recommendations.

Health professionals are now mandated to watch out for patients coming in for the origins of their medical knowledge, knowing full well that AI-fostered disinformation has tangible, risky implications. It also underscores the imperative for AI developers to include safety nets—context-sensitive alerts and requests for professional opinion—into these models.

How To Treat And Managing Bromide Toxicity

Treatment of bromism is largely supportive. The patient was hospitalized for monitoring and replacement of electrolytes and stabilization of his blood chemistry with intravenous fluids and treatment of electrolyte imbalance. The antipsychotic medication reduced his neuropsychiatric symptoms, and he was gradually tapered off the medications over a period of three weeks.

Post-discharge follow-ups were characterized by stability, confirming the reversibility of bromism if promptly diagnosed and treated. But delayed detection or exposure can cause permanent neurological impairment, highlighting the need for vigilance among clinicians as well as the general public.

This alarming case has lessons extending beyond one man's saga. AI models have enormous potential to level the field of medical knowledge, empower patients, and optimize healthcare delivery. But with weak safeguards, they can spread perilous misinformation.

Medical professionals emphasize that AI recommendations are never intended to supersede individualized assessment by experienced professionals. Algorithms are incapable of understanding the subtle implications to balance risks, ask insightful questions, or discuss a person's entire medical background. Individuals need to be prudent in using AI-made health recommendations and cross-check them with medical professionals.

AI is transforming the way individuals search for and obtain health information, obfuscating boundaries between professional consultation and self-directed care. This change requires accountability from all parties- developers, clinicians, regulators, and users.

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Pancreatic Cancer: New Study Warns How Your Alcohol Habit Could Be A Date With One Of The World’s Deadliest Cancers

Updated Aug 13, 2025 | 01:57 PM IST

SummaryThe Miami researchers discovered that alcohol, in high quantities, can damage the very pancreatic cells that make those enzymes. This injury sparks inflammation that can smoulder away until it creates precancerous lesions. Left unchecked, these can evolve into pancreatic cancer, a disease with a grim reputation.
Credits: Canva

A new study from scientists in Miami has raised a big red flag saying that heavy alcohol consumption does not just damage your liver; it could also be quietly harming your pancreas and paving the way to one of the most lethal cancers in the world. While nobody talks much about this organ, it keeps your show running. Sitting behind the stomach, the pancreas organ produces the digestive enzymes that help you break down food, as well as the hormones that regulate your blood sugar.

The fresh study, published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, sheds new light on how alcohol-induced inflammation accelerates the development of the deadly disease.

The Miami researchers discovered that alcohol, in high quantities, can damage the very pancreatic cells that make those enzymes. This injury sparks inflammation that can smoulder away until it creates precancerous lesions. Left unchecked, these can evolve into pancreatic cancer, a disease with a grim reputation.

A gene that could save the day

Not everyone who enjoys a tipple is destined for cancer. For the disease to develop, researchers found that a mutation in a gene called Ras, which controls cell growth, must also be present. But when alcohol was paired with a pro-inflammatory molecule in experiments, the effects mimicked alcohol-induced pancreatitis, complete with inflammation, lesions, and cancer.

The breakthrough? By disabling a gene called CREB, the scientists stopped both precancerous and cancerous lesions from forming. In other words, CREB seems to hold the keys to either the safe or self-destruct modes for your pancreas.

Why this matters more now

Pancreatic cancer kills over 9,000 people in the UK and more than 52,000 in the US every year. The five-year survival rate? About 10 to 12 per cent, among the lowest of any cancer. To make matters worse, cases are rising among younger people, though deaths have not yet spiked.

What makes this cancer so deadly is its silence. Symptoms rarely appear until it has already spread, and by then, treatment options are limited.

The stealthy symptoms you should not ignore

  • Belly pain that radiates to your back
  • Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Pale or floating stools, dark urine, and itching
  • New or worsening diabetes
  • Fatigue or weakness

By the time these appear, the disease is often in an advanced stage, which is why prevention is key.

Defining ‘heavy drinking

The study defined heavy alcohol use as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. Over months and years, that adds up to a consistent assault on your pancreas.

Complications that make life harder

Pancreatic cancer isn’t just fatal; it can also cause a series of painful, exhausting complications:

  • Weight loss as the body struggles to absorb nutrients
  • Blocked bile ducts leading to jaundice
  • Abdominal pain from tumors pressing on nerves
  • Bowel obstructions
  • Painful swelling in the limbs due to blood clots

Reportedly, managing these often requires procedures like stent placements or even nerve-block injections, adding more physical and emotional strain to an already heavy burden.

How to reduce the risk

  • Cut back on alcohol: You do not need to go teetotal overnight, but trimming down your weekly intake could protect your pancreas.
  • Quit smoking: Tobacco and alcohol together are really bad.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Extra body fat increases inflammation and strains your pancreas.
  • Eat for your pancreas: Load your plate with vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and keep processed foods to a minimum.
  • Stay active: Exercise helps manage weight and lowers inflammation.

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Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies?

Updated Aug 13, 2025 | 11:35 AM IST

SummaryA new COVID-19 strain, Stratus, with variants XFG and XFG.3, is spreading in England, with XFG.3 making up 30% of cases. WHO says there’s no evidence of increased severity or reduced vaccine effectiveness, though symptoms may differ, including hoarseness, headaches, nasal congestion, mild fever, and lingering fatigue.
Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies?

Credits: Canva

The UKHSA has noted that a new strain of COVID-19 virus, called Stratus, with two variants, XFG and XFG.3, has accounted for a high proportion cases in England, reports the Independent. Among these two variants, XFG.3 has accounted for 30% of cases in the country.

However, experts have suggested to not panic on the arrival of this new strain. Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist of UKHSA said, "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time," as reported by the Independent. However, the UKHSA has also confirmed that it continues to monitor all strains of COVID in the UK. For now, experts are not concerned over the spread.

What Is Stratus XFG and XFG.3?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), XFG is a "variant under monitoring" and that any health risk posed by this variant remain low at the global level.

As of now, globally, XFG has the highest relative growth when compared to the other variants that are currently active and circulating, including "Nimbus" NB.1.8.1.

Also Read: World Organ Donation Day 2025: Theme, History, And Importance

The WHO also confirmed that current data does not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than the other currently active variants in circulation.

Unique Symptoms Of Stratus COVID Strain

While the strain is said to be not a cause of concern, the symptoms may be unique from what we traditionally know COVID symptoms to be.

The WHO however, time and again has said that there is no increase in severity. It said, "While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalisations in some of the [South-east Asia Region] countries, which has the highest proportion of XFG, there are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as compared to other circulating variants."

Dr Allen also seconded the opinion and said, "Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them.”

The unique symptoms of Stratus COVID strain includes:

  • Sore throat or hoarseness, as experts have also claimed that Stratus can give patients a "hoarse voice".
  • Headaches that can last several days
  • Nasal congestion and mild fever
  • Fatigue that lingers beyond acute phase

Other than these unique symptoms, the common COVID symptoms like change in smell or taste, shortness of breath and chest discomfort remain, however, it may be uncommon in vaccinated individuals.

Are There Any Risks Around The New Stratus Strain?

XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally. However, XFG exhibits only marginal additional immune evasion over [other varient] LP.8.1. While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalizations in some of the [South-east Asia Region] countries, which has the highest proportion of XFG, there are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as compared to other circulating variants. The available evidence on XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages," said WHO.

Do We Need New Vaccines For The New Strain?

The WHO said that as per the current available data, the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against symptomatic and severe diseases, including caused by the new strain.

However, Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic told Cosmopolitan UK that due to certain mutations in the spike protein in Stratus strain, it could evade antibodies "developed from prior infections or vaccinations".

While WHO noted that the risk of vaccine evasion is low, it also noted that more studies must be added to assess the risk of antibody escape.

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World Organ Donation Day 2025: Theme, History, And Importance

Updated Aug 13, 2025 | 11:32 AM IST

SummaryThe World Organ Donation Day is observed on August 13 of each year, globally. The aim for this day is to encourage and educate more and more people on the procedure of organ donation and how it can change one's life. Read on to know more about it and how a woman's donation changed four people's lives.
World Organ Donation Day 2025: Theme, History, And Importance

Credits: Canva

Every year, on August 13, World Organ Donation Day is observed, globally, to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation and to make people aware about the misconceptions that surround organ donation.

World Organ Donation Day 2025 Theme And Significance

This year's theme for World Organ Donation Day is 'Answering the Call'. This theme highlights the important function played by the professionals in the organ donation community. What it means is to encourage more to strengthen their dedication to save as many lives as possible through organ donation and transplantation.

The Pace Hospital notes that as of 2021, globally, 1,44,302 organ transplantations had occurred, of which, 26.44% were of deceased organ donation. India performed a total of 12,259 transplantation, contributing to 8% in global transplantations. In India, the most transplants that took place were for kidneys at 74.27%, liver at 23.33%, heart at 1.23%, lung at 1.08%, pancreas at 0.15%, and small intestine at 0.03%.

Also Read: Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies?

The overall number of deceased donors transplantation in India was 4.5%. While the deceased donors transplantation in India was reported 759 for kidney, 279 for liver and 99 for heart, the Indian Ministry of Health's estimated that it needs 175,000 kidneys, 50,000 livers, hearts, and lungs and 2,500 pancreas to meet the demand.

The Indian Ministry of Road and Transport and Highway's 2021 report notes that more than 1.5 lakh were reported as accident-related mortalities, however, only 552 deceased brain deaths organ transplantations took place in 2021. This is why it is more so important to raise awareness about organ donation to help those in requirement and reducing the number of patients on the waiting list.

History Of Organ Donation

It was in 1954, when the first successful organ transplant was performed. It was a kidney transplant by Dr Joseph Murray and his team at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

The donor was Ronald Lee Herrick, who donated his organ to his twin brother Richard Herrick. Later in 1990, the doctor was honored with Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for bringing advances in organ transplantation.

Th United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) highlights the timeline of the first donations and transplants performed of different organs.

  • 1996: First simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant performed.
  • 1967: First successful liver transplant performed.
  • 1968: The Southeast Organ Procurement Foundation implemented the first computer-based organ matching system, which was dubbed as UNOS. It successfully performed the first isolated pancreas transplant and heart transplant.
  • 1981: First successful heart-lung transplant performed.
  • 1983: First successful single-lung transplant performed. Cyclosporine, the first of a number of drugs that effectively treat organ rejection by suppressing the human immune system, introduced.
  • 1984: National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) was passed.
  • 1986: First successful double-lung transplant performed.
  • 1987: First successful intestinal transplant performed.
  • 1988: First split-liver transplant performed.
  • 1989: First successful living donor liver transplant performed.
  • 1990: First successful living donor lung transplant performed.
  • 1992: UNOS helped found Donate Life America to build public support for organ donation.
  • 1998: First successful adult-to-adult living donor liver transplant performed.

How Organ Donation Can Change A Life?

In March 2024, a dedicated Delhi-based teacher, Meena Mehta was declared brain dead and her organs were donated to many, including her hands, shared her nephew Jawed Mehta. A 45-year-old Delhi-based painter had lost both his hands in a 2020 train accident, who received hand transplant. The hands were of Meena Mehta. After a 12-hour long surgery, the painter was able to paint again. Meena Mehta also donated her kidney, liver, and corneas, which has changed lives of three more people.

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