ChatGPT Health Advice Gone Wrong:
A 60-year-old man went to the hospital after he used sodium bromide as a salt substitute. He got the idea from ChatGPT.Sodium bromide is a chemical commonly used in swimming pools. The man developed a rare condition called bromism. He started experiencing hallucinations and paranoia. This led to his hospitalization.
The man wanted to cut down on table salt. He asked ChatGPT for advice on replacing sodium chloride in his diet. The AI chatbot suggested sodium bromide as an alternative. The man followed this advice for three months. He ordered sodium bromide online and started using it in his meals. His goal was to reduce chloride in his diet based on health studies.
Soon after, he went to the hospital. He complained that his neighbor was poisoning him. Lab tests showed abnormal electrolyte levels. Doctors suspected bromism, a rare condition caused by too much bromide in the body. Over the next 24 hours, his symptoms worsened. His paranoia increased, and he started seeing and hearing things. The doctors had to put him under psychiatric care. They also found he had fatigue, insomnia, acne, and excessive thirst.
What is Bromism?
Bromism was more common in the past. In the late 1800s, bromide salts were used to treat various conditions. However, the U.S. FDA stopped allowing bromide in products between 1975 and 1989. Today, cases of bromism are rare.
The man’s bromide levels were far above normal.His levels were 200 times the safe amount. AI like ChatGPT can help people. It can also give dangerous advice. The chatbot failed to mention the risks of bromide.It didn’t ask why the man wanted to replace salt or warn about toxicity. Doctors believe this shows why people should carefully evaluate AI advice.
After receiving treatment, the man’s condition improved. He was discharged after three weeks. He did not need antipsychotic medication anymore. The case shows the dangers of relying on AI for health advice without considering safety.
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