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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause For My Son's Acetone Smell On His Breath?

Hi Dr Sam, I was just chatting to some collegues of mine about my son. When he's sick (he's 4yo) he gets this acetone smell on his breath. It's a sure sign to me that he's sick and I thought it was related to his fever. i can control the fever and i've been told by other doctors to let him have a fever to burn off his sickness. I did that this morning and he seems heaps better, the smell has gone too. I just googled the acetone breath and read that it may have something to do with diabetes? Diabetes runs in my family, what do you think i should do?
Mon, 27 Jan 2014
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hi, welcome to our site. I am Dr Saumya Mittal.

Read your query. That is a very significant question and i appreciate your problem. I will try my best to answer your query

You should definitely have his sugars tested. have a fbs and ppbs scheduled. besides, urine for glucose and ketones should also be tested, especially when he is ill and you get this acetone smell

what happens is that unknown diabetics, when they are ill and down with an infection have raised sugars. at the time something develops called diabetic ketonuria. undiagnosed diabetics with vomitting, diarrhea and fever most commonly develop DKA.

this condition is in fact a form that commonly detects undiagnosed diabetes

I hope this helps you. Inform the reports mentioned above so i can be of help further. Best of luck.

I have given you the answer to the maximum considering the information provided. The results of the tests could further enhance my answer to you.

Please do understand that some details could be extracted from a detailed history and examination.

Looking forward to your return query with the details asked so that I can help you further.
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What Is The Cause For My Son's Acetone Smell On His Breath?

Hi, welcome to our site. I am Dr Saumya Mittal. Read your query. That is a very significant question and i appreciate your problem. I will try my best to answer your query You should definitely have his sugars tested. have a fbs and ppbs scheduled. besides, urine for glucose and ketones should also be tested, especially when he is ill and you get this acetone smell what happens is that unknown diabetics, when they are ill and down with an infection have raised sugars. at the time something develops called diabetic ketonuria. undiagnosed diabetics with vomitting, diarrhea and fever most commonly develop DKA. this condition is in fact a form that commonly detects undiagnosed diabetes I hope this helps you. Inform the reports mentioned above so i can be of help further. Best of luck. I have given you the answer to the maximum considering the information provided. The results of the tests could further enhance my answer to you. Please do understand that some details could be extracted from a detailed history and examination. Looking forward to your return query with the details asked so that I can help you further. (If the answer has helped you, please indicate this)