Acetone in a child: how to quickly and safely knock it down?

high acetone in a child

What can you eat with acetone breath? This is a question that worries many parents when their child has symptoms of intoxication and a characteristic bad breath. It is important to recognize the problem in a timely manner and provide the child with the right help to avoid complications.

Ketacidosis or acetonemic syndrome is a pathological condition accompanied by a high concentration of ketone bodies and an increased level of acetone in the blood and urine. It is most often observed in children aged 1 to 12 years.

Causes of high acetone in a child

The main reasons for increased acetone in children:

  • hereditary predisposition;
  • fasting or irregular eating;
  • excessive consumption of fatty foods;
  • infectious diseases (ARVI, flu, etc.);
  • stress and emotional overstrain;
  • intense physical training;
  • active outdoor games;
  • thyroid pathologies;
  • type 1 diabetes;
  • food allergy;
  • some medications.

Symptoms of acetonemia in a child

підвищений ацетон у дитини причини

 

Acetonemic syndrome has characteristic manifestations that help to identify the problem in time:

  • a specific smell of acetone from the mouth, similar to the smell of rotten apples; nausea and repeated vomiting that does not bring relief;
  • rapid heartbeat and breathing;
  • pain in the navel or epigastrium;
  • loss of appetite;
  • paleness or redness of the skin;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • lethargy, drowsiness.

If symptoms of increased acetone appear, it is necessary to check the level of the chemical compound in the urine using special test strips.

What to do if a child has high acetone levels?

If a high level of acetone is detected, it is necessary to:

  • ensure plenty of drinking – give the child frequent, but small portions of rehydration solutions, alkaline non-carbonated mineral water, weak tea with glucose or honey, dried fruit compote;
  • use enzyme preparations to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (as prescribed by a doctor);
  • control body temperature – if the temperature rises, use antipyretics recommended by the pediatrician;
  • create a calm environment – limit physical activity, avoid stressful situations;
  • adjust your diet – eliminate sweets, fatty and fried foods, and include light carbohydrates;
  • Regularly check your acetone levels using test strips.

You should definitely call an ambulance if:

  • high acetone levels persist for more than a day;
  • vomiting does not stop within 4-6 hours;
  • the child refuses to drink or his body does not retain fluid;
  • disorientation appeared;
  • convulsions occurred;
  • the child suffers from diabetes;
  • the baby is under 3 years old.
With elevated acetone, it is important not only to ensure the child has a proper drinking regimen and diet, but also to monitor their condition. If the symptoms persist or the child refuses to drink, immediately contact a pediatrician to avoid serious complications.

Child's diet with elevated acetone

Proper nutrition is the basis of treatment and prevention of acetonemic syndrome. A special diet will help maintain acetone levels in the normal range. Therefore, it is important to know what to give a child with acetone, and which foods should be avoided.

What can you feed a child?

A child's diet should contain:

  • easily digestible carbohydrates (rice, buckwheat or oatmeal porridge on water, dried white bread, biscuits);
  • stewed or boiled vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini);
  • lean meat and fish (chicken fillet, turkey, boiled cod);
  • fruits and berries (apples without skin, bananas, pears);
  • fermented milk products (kefir, natural yogurt without additives, low-fat cheese);
  • drinks (alkaline still mineral water, sugar-free dried fruit compotes, weak tea with honey or glucose).

What can't you eat with acetone in children?

You can not give the child:

  • fatty foods (lard, pork, lamb, fatty fish);
  • fried foods (french fries, cutlets, patties);
  • smoked and canned products (sausages, ham, pates, canned goods);
  • sweets and confectionery (candy, chocolate, cakes, cookies);
  • carbonated drinks and packaged juices; fast food; spicy seasonings, marinades, sauces;
  • legumes, mushrooms, fatty nuts;
  • citrus and exotic fruits.

Recommendations for the prevention of high acetone in a child

The following will help prevent the occurrence of acetonemic syndrome:

  • regular balanced nutrition;
  • no long breaks between meals;
  • diet control;
  • sufficient water consumption according to the child's age;
  • avoiding overwork and stress;
  • moderate physical activity without overload;
  • strengthening immunity, avoiding contact with infectious patients;
  • timely treatment of diseases;
  • regular check-ups with a pediatrician

In case of frequent recurrences of acetonemia, consultation with a gastroenterologist and endocrinologist is necessary to rule out serious diseases and, if necessary, develop an individual treatment regimen.