HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Does GERD Or Vomiting Lead To An Increase In BAC?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015

Question: Im a female 5'4 150lbs and i have GERD. And my question is this, i was recently in a situation where i had had an alcohol beverage and about 2 hours later i had expelled the contents of my stomach due to a high stress situation. is it true that this would cause my bac to be significantly higher? The ER director and doctor at my hospital says it would be the equivalent of just taking a sip and trying to do a breathalyzer. Not that I dont trust his opinion but is this true? I would love to have multiple opinions please and thank you.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
i agree with your doctor

Detailed Answer:
welcome to hcm,
As i can understand here that,
1. You suffer from GERD.
2. Your appear to be concerned that if GERD or vomiting can lead to an increase in BAC.

Well, It is important to consider the method employed to measure the BAC here.
If breathalyser is being used, in such case analysing breath immediately or after short time of vomiting or GERD attack would certainly yield false positive BAC levels.
The reason as rightly suggested by your doctor that it would be similar to taking a test after sipping alcohol, as in reflux and vomiting episode the gastric content tend to reflux beck into mouth cavity.

Welcome back for further queries.

Regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D