The smell of acetone from the mouth of a child: reasons how to treat (Komarovsky)

The appearance of the smell of acetone from the mouth in a child indicates a disturbance in his body. There are several reasons for this symptom, but in any case, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician to prevent the development of negative consequences.

Why does a child's mouth smell like acetone?

A person gets glucose from carbohydrates. The body spends one part of glucose on its vital activity, and stores the other. In the event of a shortage of this energy substance, it is produced from proteins and lipids, which produce not only glucose, but also poisonous compounds, including acetone. Toxins enter the bloodstream, negatively affecting all organs.

Experts identify several reasons for the appearance of the phenomenon under consideration. Some of them can be eliminated on their own, while others require a thorough medical examination followed by treatment.

Acetonemic syndrome and the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

Acetonemic syndrome is a pathological condition that is accompanied by an increased content of ketone bodies in the blood, which are formed due to a violation of the metabolism of amino acids and fats. This condition in children is spoken of in the case of recurrent acetonemic crises.

The main reason for the appearance of acetone syndrome is the lack of carbohydrates in the child's diet or the predominance of fatty acids and ketogenic amino acids.

The development of the syndrome is facilitated by the lack of liver enzymes, which are actively involved in oxidation processes. It is also important to understand that the peculiarities of metabolism in childhood are such that there is a decrease in ketolysis - the process of utilization of ketone bodies.

The syndrome is characterized not only by a strong smell of acetone, but also by fever, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and other symptoms.

Dr. Komarovsky believes that acetone syndrome is an individual feature of children's metabolism, but not a disease. Most often, the pathology develops in girls no older than 5 years. Boys suffer from this syndrome much less often.

Dr. Komarovsky's opinion on the acetone odor and how to treat it:

Diabetes

If the child smells of acetone, this may signal the presence of diabetes mellitus due to impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Accompanying signs:

• restless sleep;
• lack of liquid saturation;
• lethargy;
• dry mouth;
• vomiting;
• painful sensations in the abdomen;
• itching of the skin;
• oppressed consciousness.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Diseases of the digestive tract are accompanied by:

• colic in the umbilical zone;
• discharge of non-fetid intestinal gas;
• flatulence.

Also, the presence of the smell of acetone in the mouth and temperature may be associated with infection of the child's body with parasites.

Intoxication

The use of low-quality, unprocessed foods, the saturation of the lungs with poisonous vapors provoke the formation of stench from the oral cavity. In case of food poisoning, in addition to the unpleasant phenomenon under consideration, the child develops diarrhea, frequent vomiting, lethargy, weakness, body temperature increases, and fever develops.

Hepatic and renal pathologies

The kidneys and liver are involved in cleansing the body, removing toxic compounds from it. In the event of diseases of at least one of the organs under consideration, this process slows down, poisonous substances begin to accumulate in the child's body.

In this case, the smell of acetone can be observed not only in the mouth, but also in the urine.

The phenomenon under consideration may be accompanied by an enlargement of the liver, the development of painful sensations in the region of the rib on the right, lumbar spine, as well as the formation of jaundice of the skin.

Diseases of the oral cavity

The most obvious reason for the appearance of the smell of acetone in a child is dental problems, the presence of which is easier to determine than the above. To do this, it is enough to carefully examine the baby's teeth. In the event that there is caries, redness and swelling of the gums, swelling, it is necessary to visit a pediatric dentist.

If there is insufficient salivation in the mouth, then favorable conditions are created for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, which is one of the reasons for the appearance of a specific odor.

Also, this symptom often occurs due to fungus in the mouth, which can appear due to the abuse of sweets. The fact of the appearance of the pathology in question due to plaque in the language, formed as a result of insufficient oral hygiene (many children only brush their teeth, and food particles remain on the tongue).

Other factors

Less commonly, the cause of the smell of acetone from the mouth in newborns and older children is neuro-arthric diathesis, which is considered a genetic feature of metabolism. It is much more common in girls than in boys. This disease is accompanied by vomiting, as well as pain in the abdomen and joints. At the same time, ketone bodies and uric acid begin to enter the bloodstream.

Which doctor to contact

A special test will help determine the content of acetone in a child's body. You can buy it at any pharmacy. This diagnostic method is carried out in the morning (after waking up). To do this, immerse the strip in a jar of urine and wait 30 seconds.

However, self-diagnosis should not be performed. If a child's mouth smells like acetone, it is strongly recommended that you contact a pediatrician who will send you blood and urine tests. It is very important to establish an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner and initiate appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Therapy of the pathology in question should be comprehensive and include the use of drugs traditional medicine or traditional medicines, adherence to dietary nutrition, as well as caring for oral cavity. With the development of early symptoms of acetone syndrome, it is necessary to provide the child's body with a sufficient volume of fluid. It is recommended to water the child every 5 minutes. 1 tsp. a spoonful of sweet cooled tea.

Medicines should be prescribed only by the attending physician (pediatrician), taking into account the diagnosis, as well as the individual characteristics of the baby. Typically, the following medications are prescribed for acetonemia:

• sorbents (for purification from toxic compounds);
• Rehydron (restores the balance of water and salts in the body);
• enzymes (to improve the digestion of food in case of violation of the functionality of the pancreas);
• Nicotinamide (to regulate glucose metabolism);
• Cerucal (eliminates vomiting);
• Betargin (helps to improve liver function);
• Stimol (improves the patient's condition).

Of the most effective traditional medicine, the following can be noted:

1. Verbena stalks decoction. For manufacturing, you need to boil water, then add a couple of large spoons of prepared raw materials, mix. Boil for 10-12 minutes. After the time has elapsed, strain the broth and cool. Rinse your mouth with the obtained medicine several times / day.
2. St. John's wort and bitter wormwood infusion. For cooking, you need to brew 1 tbsp. l. herbal collection in 1 tbsp. boiling water, mix. Leave the mixture to infuse for 45 minutes. Rinse the mouth with the resulting liquid 2-3 rubles / day before or after eating.
3. Sorrel juice infusion. For production, it is necessary to prepare juice from 3-4 sorrel leaves, then dilute it in boiled water and leave to infuse for 10-12 minutes. Rinse the mouth with the obtained medicine after a meal.

If your child's mouth smells like acetone, it is strongly recommended to follow a special diet that excludes consumption various sauces, mustard, legumes, fatty, spicy, fried foods, carbonated drinks, as well as smoked meats, sour cream and colored cabbage.

However, for seven days after the acetone smell appeared, the child can only be fed with vegetable soups, mashed potatoes, as well as rice porridge (cook all dishes in water). After the lapse of time, it is allowed to gradually introduce boiled or baked lean meat, as well as crackers, into the diet. After another 1.5–2 weeks, it is allowed to eat fresh greens and vegetables.

An important condition in the treatment of the pathology under consideration is regular oral hygiene, which will help rid the child of unpleasant odors, as well as prevent the formation of caries and other diseases. It consists in brushing teeth and tongue at least 2 times a day. After each meal, you should use toothpicks or dental floss to remove food debris, as well as special rinses.