14 year old smells of acetone

[DakotaFanny]

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.

Sounds diabetic to me.

This is from the website

Diabetic ketoacidosis may itself be the symptom of undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.

Typical symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:

Vomiting
Dehydration
An unusual smell on the breath –sometimes compared to the smell of pear drops
Deep laboured breathing (called kussmaul breathing) or hyperventilation
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion and disorientation
Coma

My dd had this smell, and looked very thin and gaunt. Her skin had a papery feel, and she had been tired, needing the loo over night, excessive thirst. We took her to hospital and she was in diagnosed with Diabetes and in DKA, which is a serious life threatening condition. We were told if we'd not gone in then there was a good chance she would of died that night at home.

I'd find somewhere that can check his blood sugar levels NOW.

Going off those NHS links and for the symptoms you’ve given Op I’d be getting him checked out tonight. It’s not something to leave by the sounds of it. Don’t worry about putting people out, make sure he’s not potentially becoming seriously ill. Hope he ok.

please seek advice now.

Go to A and E. Now.

I would take an early morning, mid-stream wee sample when you go to the doctor. Take it before he eats anything.

Another one for diabetes

there is no need to take an early morning urine sample, diabetes can easily be checked with a blood test.

I'm going to add to the chorus of those saying get him checked tonight. My DS was unusually thirsty, weeing a lot for about a week, and started waking up at night to go to the toilet for only two nights before I got him to the GP. I hadn't noticed any tiredness, adn he was at school as normal, but once he was checked, his blood sugar and ketone levels were already at dangerous levels and we were in hospital for the next three days.
I don't want to scare you but it's not worth taking the risk, it really isn't.
Do you know anyone with diabetes who might have a monitor you could use?

Def go to a and e. My dog is diabetic, exactly same symptoms, her bg was sky high when I took her to the vets, assumed she had a uti. We could have lost her. Don’t think you are wasting anyone’s time, better getting checked out.

I have type 1 diabetes. This really really sounds like it. Please go to a&e. Untreated diabetes can cause organ failure. Please go.

Please take him to a&e. If it is type one diabetes he could deteriorate rapidly.

I'm an A&E trige nurse. Not wanting to scare you but I'd honestly take him to A&E tonight. If his BM is that high he could be in serious trouble (coma, death).
It needs testing now. If its not, then all good, but you can't be too careful with this.

You really need to go now, hope you can be seen quickly

This is where my head went but my dh thinks I’m being mad.

If your DH is wrong your child could end up blind, or with kidney failure, or dead. If you're wrong you just spent some time. I have to say that I very, very strongly suspect diabetes.

Mum of a T1 here. Please get him tested ASAP, tonight if possible.

JUST GO NOW! Please!

Yes, it could be diabetes. Needs investigating right away.

I’m with others, I’d get him seen somewhere tonight. Looking at the links it seems if it’s suspected at all, then get in to be seen as it can get worse quickly. Don’t take chances with children.

As a nurse I second all the posts if he were mine I would take him to A&E it does sound like Type 1 diabetes and because you can smell acetone it means he is already potentially unwell. Young people can compensate for alot longer before they become really unwell, he may not seem unwell but that is not necessarily reassuring.

As a mum you are best placed to know your ds and you are worried please, trust your instincts. If all is well no harm done. In my experience A&E won't mind at all they too trust a parent's instincts a quick finger prick test will tell you what you need.

Paeds nurse here...get him seen ASAP.

@Sadiesnakes Christ, that's terrifying.

A late night pharmacy?
Just take him to A&E!

Friend son was similar symptoms, he suddenly became very ill overnight and hospital said it was life threatening if they'd delayed. Not wanting to scare you but if it was me I'd be going up tonight.