In the body of an adult and a child, biological and chemical processing of food is carried out in order to release ATP molecules, as a result of which energy is generated. When acetone is found in human urine, this circumstance indicates that the normal energy cycle is disrupted.
The nutrition of human cells can be determined by the following formula: products – glucose molecules – energy (cells without energy cannot work fully). Unused glucose molecules are converted into chains, as a result of which glycogen is formed in the liver, which finds its use when there is a lack of energy.
In children, the norm of the concentration of acetone in the blood exceeds the required values much more often when compared with adults. And this circumstance is interconnected with the fact that in the liver of a small child there is a very small amount of glycogen reserves.
Glucose molecules that have not been converted into an energy component become protein elements and fatty acids. But, they already have completely different properties, not identical as in products. Accordingly, the decomposition of reserves is carried out according to the required scheme, but the result will already be different: the formation of metabolites – ketones occurs.
It is necessary to understand why there is an increased acetone in the blood in adults and children, and to find out the reasons for this condition? In addition, it is advisable to consider the signs of this pathology, and find out what nutrition can be recommended in order to normalize the acetone content in a child?
Why is acetone detected ?
It should be said right away that the norm in this situation is the absolute absence of ketones in the blood of any person. Acetone in urine indicates an energy shortage, as a result of which the body begins to “starve” at the energy level.
Ketonemia is acetone in the blood of a child or adult. Due to the fact that ketones are in the circulatory system, there is a negative toxic effect on the central nervous system.
At a minimum concentration of acetone, causeless excitability appears, and at a maximum concentration, conscious activity is suppressed, and a coma is not excluded. When acetone in the blood exceeds all critical indicators, ketonuria develops. Acetone is found in urine.
Acetone in the blood of children can be detected in violation of the fat balance, or the process of digestibility of carbohydrates. The development of such a condition is based on the hypersensitivity of the child’s body to changes in glucose in the blood.
The reasons for the increase in acetone in the blood of children:
- The predominant cause of this pathology is poor nutrition, in particular the abuse of fatty and sweet foods, overeating.
- The reasons may also lie in diseases – diabetes mellitus, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver pathology.
- Chronic overwork, nervous tension.
- Immune disorders in the body.
As all of the above show, the reasons for the presence of ketone bodies in blood and urine are significantly differentiated.
Causes of high acetone in adults:
- Increased body temperature.
- Poisoning by alcoholic beverages.
- Ailments of infectious etiology.
- Poisoning with chemical compounds.
- The presence of diabetes mellitus.
- Injuries that led to malfunctions in the central nervous system.
- Improper nutrition, in which fatty and protein foods prevail.
- Strict food restriction.
In adults, the presence of acetone can indicate a disruption of the endocrine system, unbearable physical exertion, and cerebral coma.
Clinic of pathology
Acetone in blood and urine can be suggested by the clinical characteristics of acetone crisis in children. As medical practice shows, the symptomatology of such a picture is pronounced, and does not pass without a trace from the attention of the parents.
The first and main sign of this condition is severe nausea, vomiting, and, as a result, dehydration. As a rule, repeated vomiting is observed after eating food or drinks.
Against the background of the rejection of food by the body, young children experience a decrease in appetite, they become capricious and irritable.
Over time, painful sensations in the abdomen are revealed, general weakness is observed, and a specific coating appears on the tongue.
Typical symptoms with acetone include the following:
- Increase in body temperature.
- During the process of urination, urine is excreted in small quantities.
- A specific smell of acetone is detected from the oral cavity.
- Fainting, clouding of consciousness, irritability or lethargy, as well as other signs of impaired CNS functionality.
It is worth noting that in children with acetone in the blood, sleep disturbance is observed, in particular, severe drowsiness, which can lead to coma.
Acetone in children and adults: what to do?
To remove excess acetone, it is necessary to saturate the body with the “right” sugar. Therefore, the child can be given some sweetness to eat. If the baby is sick, it is recommended to make some sweet tea, homemade compote or fruit drink. The sweet liquid is given to the child in a small spoon every five minutes.
Balancing and proper nutrition helps not only “remove” acetone, but also prevents its appearance. A wellness diet is designed to eliminate ketogenic foods.
Products that can increase the content of ketone bodies should be excluded from the menu. The ban includes soda, chips, fast food and other foods that contain a lot of preservatives. Pay attention to a diet such as diet number 5 .
With acetone, it is recommended to exclude the following:
- Fatty fish and meat dishes.
- Smoked products.
- First courses with fatty broths.
- Marinades, high fat sour cream, cream.
- Semi-finished products.
- Caffeine-containing foods.
- Oranges, tangerines, lemons.
- Tomatoes, sorrel.
The diet of adults and children should include fruits (with the exception of citrus fruits), natural honey, cookies, semolina, mashed potatoes, vegetable broths and other foods enriched with digestible carbohydrates.
It is worth saying that cleansing enemas also help to remove ketone bodies. And in severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
In summing up, it should be emphasized that a balanced diet, optimal physical activity, walks in the fresh air are the key to the health of not only a child, but also every adult.