When they smell something odd like acetone coming from their child’s mouth, many parents get worried. This can be particularly concerning if it occurs suddenly and you’re not sure what could be causing it. Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky frequently addresses this worry, providing parents with comforting and useful advice.
Even though acetone smells strange, it’s not always a bad indicator of something serious. However, it’s crucial for your child’s health to know what causes it and when to act. According to Dr. Komarovsky, this phenomenon is frequently connected to acetone syndrome, a disorder that arises when a child’s body uses fats for energy rather than carbohydrates.
This post will discuss what Dr. Komarovsky has to say about the smell of acetone coming from a child’s mouth, the causes of it, and the actions parents can take to make their child feel better. You can find answers to your questions here, regardless of whether it’s an indication of a short-term problem or something that requires more care.
| Question | Answer |
| What does the smell of acetone from a child"s mouth mean? | It usually indicates a lack of carbohydrates in the body or problems with metabolism, often linked to conditions like acetonemic syndrome. |
| Is the smell of acetone dangerous? | It can be a sign of metabolic imbalances, which may require medical attention, but is not always dangerous if properly managed. |
| What should parents do? | Ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids and eats carbohydrates. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. |
What is it?
We are discussing acetonemic syndrome when there is an overt acetone odor coming from the mouth or when acetone is found in a child’s urine in a lab (which is quite unsettling to consider!). Approximately 6–8% of children between the ages of one and thirteen receive this diagnosis. For a long time, people have abbreviated the complicated name of the issue to "acetone in children."
The fact that the child’s blood contains a notably higher concentration of ketone bodies—which are created when fat breaks down—is linked to the syndrome’s occurrence. Acetone is released in the process, which is complex. It is eliminated through the urine, enters the bloodstream, irritates the stomach and intestines, and has a strong negative impact on the brain in the event of even a mild fluid shortage. This is the way acetonemic vomiting happens, a potentially fatal illness that needs medical attention right away.
When the child’s liver runs out of glycogen stores, acetone starts to form. This is the material that aids the body in obtaining life-giving energy. Energy is used up more quickly when there is a heavy load (stress, disease, vigorous physical activity), and there might not be enough glucose. At that point, fats start to degrade and release acetone, the "culprit."
Adults rarely experience this condition because their stores of glycogen are far richer. Children can only dream of such things because their livers are still imperfect. This accounts for the prevalence of syndrome development in children.
Children with thin builds, neuroses, sleep issues, fear, and excessive activity are at risk. Doctors claim that in comparison to their peers, they have higher rates of mental and intellectual development and acquire speech earlier.
Symptoms
A child may exhibit some of the following symptoms, which may indicate acetonemic syndrome:
- The child is lethargic and inhibited, the skin is pale, there are dark circles under the eyes.
- He has a poor appetite and is in a bad mood.
- The child complains of headaches that are in the nature of attacks.
When a child experiences severe nausea and vomiting, we can discuss the onset of acetonemic vomiting. This can quickly result in fluid loss, a violation of the salt balance, the onset of convulsions, abdominal pain, concurrent diarrhea, and, if prompt assistance is not given, a fatal outcome from dehydration.
The first "signs" of the syndrome usually appear in children between the ages of two and three. Crises typically reappear between the ages of six and eight. By the time the child reaches the age of thirteen, the disease usually shows no symptoms at all because by then the liver has formed and the body has stored enough glucose.
There are numerous factors that contribute to acetonemic syndrome exacerbations, such as inadequate diet and burdensome inheritance. The infant is more likely to develop metabolic disorders in the future if they have family members who have diabetes, gallstone disease, or gout.
Based on laboratory tests on blood and urine, a physician can make an accurate diagnosis.
Komarovsky on acetone in children
According to Komarovsky, acetonemic syndrome is merely a unique characteristic of the child’s metabolism rather than an illness. Parents ought to be fully aware of the bodily functions that their children are experiencing. Above was a brief description of them.
The doctor states that the causes of the syndrome are a contentious matter. He lists severe infectious diseases, starvation, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, pancreatic and adrenal gland disorders, severe infectious diseases, and, strangely enough, traumatic brain injury and concussions as some of the main ones.
The talk by Dr. Komarovsky on "Acetone in Children"
The doctor is certain that heredity alone is insufficient. A lot relies on the child himself, on the kidneys’ capacity to filter out toxic substances, on the liver’s condition, and on the rate at which metabolic processes—particularly the breakdown of fats—take place.
The physician stresses that parents need not become alarmed if they smell acetone coming from their child’s mouth. It is also impossible to ignore, so parents should be prepared to administer first aid if needed.
The smell of acetone coming from a child’s mouth, according to Dr. Komarovsky, is usually an indication of metabolic problems, which are frequently caused by a lack of carbohydrates or dehydration. While this can worry parents, if treated appropriately, it’s usually not harmful. He underlines that children frequently suffer from this ailment, which is called acetonemic syndrome, and that it is typically treatable by making sure the child consumes a healthy diet and stays hydrated. It is imperative to seek medical attention from a physician if the odor is persistent or if it is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms.
Treatment
Children should enjoy the treatment for the syndrome because it is quite tasty. The primary treatment for glucose insufficiency is sweets and beverages. Adequate amounts of them should be given to a child diagnosed with acetonemic syndrome. Therefore, you should begin giving the child glucose as soon as the parents smell acetone coming from the child, even at the first sign of suspicion. It could be the medication in tablet or solution form. The most important thing is to drink it frequently. If the child is already fairly large, you should give them two or three tablespoons every five minutes, or a teaspoon every five minutes if they are a baby.
A child should be given a cleansing enema with soda (one teaspoon soda mixed with a glass of warm water), and you should have a supply of "regoron" ready in case you need to bring the water-salt balance back.
This will stop if parents are able to snoop in on the initiative in time. The onset of a more severe manifestation of the syndrome, most likely vomiting, if even the smallest delay was permitted.
When a child has acetonymia, the condition is typically so severe that sweet tea or compote cannot be consumed. Everything he drank was consumed outside right away. In this case, Komarovsky advises moving swiftly. It’s best if you call an ambulance rather than a doctor. In most cases, giving the child a large amount of sweet liquid via a dropper—pharmacy glucose—is required to stop them from vomiting.
Furthermore, an injection of an anti-vomiting medication (typically "Cerucal") won’t harm the unborn child. Sweet water, tea with sugar, and glucose should be actively given to the child once the gag reflex caused by the medication subsides. What matters most is how much drink there is. Komarovsky reminds us that the effects of "Cerucal" and similar drugs typically last for two to three hours. This is the last chance for parents to completely replenish the child’s lost fluid and glucose reserves; if they don’t, vomiting will resume and the child’s condition will get worse.
It is preferable if the infant has a severe episode of the syndrome in a hospital rather than at home. Evgeny Olegovich emphasizes that self-medication can be very harmful and that it is best to receive treatment under the guidance of medical professionals.
Dr. Komarovsky stresses that parents shouldn’t always become alarmed if they smell acetone coming from their child’s mouth. Frequently, it indicates that there is a brief deficiency of glucose in the body, forcing it to use fat as fuel. This may occur following strenuous exercise, disease, or even stress.
To help the child regain energy, parents should make sure they drink plenty of water and provide drinks like sweet tea. Seeking medical attention right away is crucial if the smell is persistent or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal pain.
Overall, even though the smell of acetone can be unsettling, with the right attention, it usually goes away on its own. To rule out more serious health issues, it is always a good idea to see a pediatrician.
