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Original poster

My 4 year old has been drinking a lot of water and his mouth smells like acid like a battery acid what could this be?

290 replies

alpop · 13/11/2024 13:09

The past two days I've really noticed how much water (with a tiny bit dilution juice) he is drinking. He's asking me a lot for more. He will down it then ask for another one

His mouth smells like an acidic smell like battery acid. I have no better way of explaining it. It's smelt like that since yesterday. His older sisters have noticed it too and said he smells weird

He's well otherwise. He was running a lot today and has been at his nursery.

He's maybe eating slightly more. But he's completely well other wise

Diabetes runs in my family. My brother is type 1 and was really unwell at 5 years old. My mum didn't notice anything until he was passing out then admitted to hospital.

Does anyone have any ideas??

OP posts:
Lougle · 13/11/2024 13:54

It sounds like he's got diabetes symptoms. I think you'll end up at the hospital. When is your appointment?

JC03745 · 13/11/2024 13:51

A&E- DKA comes on quickly and can smell distinctive. With your family history, I'm very surprised you have posted this! I'm glad you have an appointment.

Sunny1234567 · 13/11/2024 13:50

I would take him to A&E.

standardduck · 13/11/2024 13:50

I'd go straight to the A&E

kimf1963 · 13/11/2024 13:50

I think very possibly Diabetes, these are classic signs of this, does he smell like Pear Drops at all, please get him tested today, it could be very dangerous if sugar levels get too high, hope you can get answers as soon as possible.

RB68 · 13/11/2024 13:49

Sounds classic for diabetes so go and get him tested asap - speak to GP and explain family history and drinking and breath smell should eb a straight in and bloods test.

Classic breath smell they call "pear drop" smell and it indicates ketosis I think they call it. If caught all treatable although a whole new regime for you both - good luck

JanuaryBug · 13/11/2024 13:49

Bypass the GP and bring straight to A&E, if he's already experiencing these symptoms he will be sent there anyway.

Workhardcryharder · 13/11/2024 13:48

Agree with PP, emergency appt or a&e

Pusheen467 · 13/11/2024 13:48

Okayornot · 13/11/2024 13:47

I'd just go to A&E with that. Take a small bag with you as if it is diabetes they will likely keep him in while they get it sorted.

Yep when I was diagnosedbwith T1 at my GP surgeryI had to go straight to hospital where I stayed for a week.

Bagpuss2022 · 13/11/2024 13:48

It sounds likely it could be Type 1 I’m glad he’s being seen this afternoon.
I wish I had realised as quick as you some symptoms as my son was very poorly DKA at diagnosis .
Please update us

Lubilu02 · 13/11/2024 13:48

Looking at the nhs website and the close family history, I also would be taking straight to A+E at this point.
He's very little, so although you say he seems fine otherwise now, things could take a turn for the worse very quickly.
Just get him to the hospital.

Okayornot · 13/11/2024 13:47

I'd just go to A&E with that. Take a small bag with you as if it is diabetes they will likely keep him in while they get it sorted.

Rachie1973 · 13/11/2024 13:43

Hopefully GP appt will shed some light :)

Does sound like diabetes. We have the same issues and early symptoms in our family.

Questionary · 13/11/2024 13:39

Go to A&E

deflatedbirthday · 13/11/2024 13:36

I agree with @NewGreenDuck. With the smell this is A&E time. DKA is very very serious and needs immediate attention. Do not wait for your GP appointment.

Tiswa · 13/11/2024 13:35

Even without family history I know breathe smelling and increased thirst are diabetes coupled with being the age of your brother nearly he needs checking about potentially at hospital

NewGreenDuck · 13/11/2024 13:29

If he smells of pear drops is drinking huge amounts and urinating constantly then he is getting towards or actually has keto acidosis. You need to take him straight to hospital as that is incredibly serious. His blood sugars will be out of control.
Has he vomited at all as that also happens.
Please straight to A&E.

EdgyDreamer · 13/11/2024 13:27

alpop · 13/11/2024 13:23

I've gotten an appointment this afternoon for him

That's great.

They should be able to tell you what's going on what ever it turns out to be.

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 13/11/2024 13:27

mikeyboo · 13/11/2024 13:18

A&E is more appropriate than the GP for a child at risk of DKA unless the GP can see you very very soon - if it is diabetes you’ll be sent to hospital anyway.

Agree with this- straight to A&E and explain increased thirst/ strange smell in mouth query diabetes

Discombobble · 13/11/2024 13:25

Why would you ask on here when you know the family history?! Go to the GP, walk in centre or whatever is fastest and get him treated ASAP

Original poster
alpop · 13/11/2024 13:23

I've gotten an appointment this afternoon for him

OP posts:
x2boys · 13/11/2024 13:22

Diabetes ,do not fuck around
I nearly lost my son two years ago when he collapsed in DKA ( we didn't know he had diabetes) please get him checked ASAP A and E can do a,quick finger prick test which will give you an immediate answer.

Cheshiresquirrel · 13/11/2024 13:18

alpop · 13/11/2024 13:09

The past two days I've really noticed how much water (with a tiny bit dilution juice) he is drinking. He's asking me a lot for more. He will down it then ask for another one

His mouth smells like an acidic smell like battery acid. I have no better way of explaining it. It's smelt like that since yesterday. His older sisters have noticed it too and said he smells weird

He's well otherwise. He was running a lot today and has been at his nursery.

He's maybe eating slightly more. But he's completely well other wise

Diabetes runs in my family. My brother is type 1 and was really unwell at 5 years old. My mum didn't notice anything until he was passing out then admitted to hospital.

Does anyone have any ideas??

I don't understand why you wouldn't take him to the GP asap or even a&e if you are worried about type 1 diabetes. Mumsnet cannot help you and if it's type 1, it's pretty urgent.

willitevergetwarm · 13/11/2024 13:18

GP today - DKA happens so quickly and it's awful to see your child so poorly