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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Acetone Smell In Breath Of A Child?

My son is 2, during the summer (he was 18 months then) he had a fever & acetone breath, we rang the Doc & she said it was normal when kids are sick to smell like this & check back in 24 hours. 24 hours later fever & smell were gone. He has had it 3 times since then (all 3 times he was not sick), in the mornings & later in the day it was gone. For the last 3 days he has a cold. He has an acetone smell on his breath again! Is there any other cause other than diabetes? I have been googling & getting seriously worried! Help?
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HCM..

As per your complain acetone smelling breath occurs when there is excess ketone production in body due to breakdown of fat..
It gives the breath a typical fruity/acetone smell and can be seen in cases of illness like viral and other infections..

Another most common cause for acetone breath can be Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

In case if your child is smelling ketone like breath even in the absence of any illness then it can be an alarming sign of Juvenile Diabetes and you need to consult a Paediatrician and get him evaluated and a thorough clinical examination and investigations like blood test can help in diagnosis and will be treated as per diagnosis..

Hope this helps..

Regards,
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What Causes Acetone Smell In Breath Of A Child?

Hi.. Welcome to HCM.. As per your complain acetone smelling breath occurs when there is excess ketone production in body due to breakdown of fat.. It gives the breath a typical fruity/acetone smell and can be seen in cases of illness like viral and other infections.. Another most common cause for acetone breath can be Diabetic Ketoacidosis. In case if your child is smelling ketone like breath even in the absence of any illness then it can be an alarming sign of Juvenile Diabetes and you need to consult a Paediatrician and get him evaluated and a thorough clinical examination and investigations like blood test can help in diagnosis and will be treated as per diagnosis.. Hope this helps.. Regards,