Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

14 year old smells of acetone

314 replies

DakotaFanny · 04/09/2019 20:39

Just that really....he says he feels absolutely fine but the following things are really bothering me.

He smells like I smelt when I did Atkins! He eats plenty of carbs.

He is suddenly heavy eyed- his lids are more closed than usual. But maybe he is just tired! He’s been up a bit in the night going to the loo etc.

He’s drinking loads (but seems to be doing this because he’s been told we should drink 8 glasses a day etc.

He’s weeing a lot (see sleeping but also, increased liquids so of course he Is!)

It’s all so easily explained, except for the smell, and as I said he says he feels absolutely fine.

Would anyone be worried??? (He is never ill!)

Thank you oh wise mumsnetters.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
velocitygirl7 · 04/09/2019 21:04

A simple pin prick test will show if his blood isn't right. Sounds very much like undiagnosed diabetes, I'm no expert but dh is type 1 so my knowledge is fairly extensive!
Gp asap, please don't delay.

ShadyLady53 · 04/09/2019 21:06

You really can’t put this off in favour of DofE OP. If he is diabetic, the consequences could be fatal.

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 04/09/2019 21:06

Okay all. Thanks, I’ll Get him in tomorrow.

OP posts:
IndefatigableMouse · 04/09/2019 21:09

Type 1 diabetes can be v dangerous. Let us know how you get on.

HopefulButScared · 04/09/2019 21:09

If you can't get in with the GP you can go to the pharmacist for a finger prick glucose test and they can then advise what you should do next.

I agree though, don't ignore it just in case.

gilliansgardenbench · 04/09/2019 21:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MooKnee · 04/09/2019 21:13

Call 111 and they might get you in to out of hours tonight? Or at least advise best course of action.

peoplearepeople · 04/09/2019 21:14

Please do get him in op. Now if possible. The check takes seconds. If you contact any walk in centre/helpline then I am sure they will want you to go along. Please take this seriously. My child nearly died because our Dr at the time didn't do the correct tests and thought he just had an infection of some kind. It really needs action.

QOD · 04/09/2019 21:14

Diabetes cletus. And I’d ring OOH docs because it’s feckin serious if the Ketosis goes too far

SylvanianFrenemies · 04/09/2019 21:16

Type 1 diabetic here.
Please make sure your son sees a GP tomorrow at the latest. Everything you say screams diabetes. The acetone smell is associated with ketoacidosis, which is an emergency. In fact, call NHS 24 (or whatever it Is called in your part of the country) tonight. Meanwhile, no fruit juice, no sugar, no other carbs.

Absolutely do not allow your son to take part in excercise, including this DofE thing, unless he has medical clearance. He could end up in a coma. I'm not in any way dramatic about this kind of stuff. But really, you must take it incredibly seriously.

Haworthia · 04/09/2019 21:16

Yep, this is potentially serious so he needs to see a doctor tomorrow, or tonight if you can. Keep us updated OP.

duffyluth · 04/09/2019 21:17

He’s doing a massive walk this weekend, which bothers me if he could be ill, but he has to do it

No he doesn't have to do it. His health is more important, it could be serious. Don't let your/his desire to succeed at this cloud any judgement. It can't wait until later, he must be seen before the weekend.

beingchampion · 04/09/2019 21:17

Call 111 now for advice, or are you close to a late night pharmacy?

OhYouBadBadKitten · 04/09/2019 21:18

I would contact out of hours.

Isawthesignanditopenedupmyeyes · 04/09/2019 21:19

I wouldn’t wait until tomorrow, out of hours GP or A and E. Symptoms very suggestive of type 1 diabetes, can become very sick untreated very quickly

BrokenBrit · 04/09/2019 21:20

My friends little boy quickly fell very ill over night and was seen as an emergency - turned out he was diabetic and dangerously ill! The only sign had been he had been drinking more than normally and the serious effects came on quickly so if I’d urge you to call 111/ OOH GP to be safe.

HappyHammy · 04/09/2019 21:22

Hope he is ok and gets seen quickly, don't leave this till tomorrow.

Carpetburns · 04/09/2019 21:24

Diabetes. The smell is ketones

Original poster
DakotaFanny · 04/09/2019 21:25

Would a late night pharmacy be able to test him?

OP posts:
DrFoxtrot · 04/09/2019 21:25

I would be trying to get him seen tonight - ring 111 and they will probably arrange an appointment or advise walk in centre.

DrFoxtrot · 04/09/2019 21:26

Yes do not leave until tomorrow, if he is diabetic, he could become more ill very quickly.

longtimelurkerhelen · 04/09/2019 21:26

Don't piss about with the pharmacy, go to A&E tonight. This is an emergency.

www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-ketones.html

SylvanianFrenemies · 04/09/2019 21:26

@dakotafanny please read the NHS advice: www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/

notapizzaeater · 04/09/2019 21:27

I'd take him to a and e to be honest, do you know anyone with a blood testing kit?

ShadyLady53 · 04/09/2019 21:27

You should be going to A&E tonight OP.