Just Answer Just Answer
Ask A Question  -  Help  -  Register  -  Login   

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Health Question?)

Question

Sweet breath


Sent to Health Experts October 11, 2006 11:53 p.m.
My daughter, who is 6 years old, on occassion, has a very strong smelling breath. It reminds me of someone who drank lots of wine the next day and the odor is oozing out the next day. It's very strong - when she has it, I can smell it immediately when I approach her room or sometimes its overwhelming in the car. She used to get the odor when she frequently got strep throat, but the last strep test came back normal and the breath was there the next day and then gone the following day. Tonight it is back, but accompanied by no other symptoms. She is currently getting ready for a pacemaker to be installed in the next 2 -3 weeks due to her current being block (Stage 3 heart block) so she is very fatigued (but I assumed it was/is due to the heart disorder). Is there something else I need to get checked out resulting in the foul breath.

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 6

Already Tried:
nothing
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9.95   
Answer
October 12, 2006 12:01 a.m. (7 minutes and 43 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
The odor of breath can be influenced by a number of things. Diabetics can have breath that is often described as a "sweet chemical" or a "fruity" smell. This is related to the production of ketoacidosis with uncontrolled blood sugars.

Could you please give me some more information on your daughter's history? What medicine is she taking? Any other medical problems besides her heart problem? What is the cause of her heart problem?


__________________
Please click "ACCEPT" if I answered your question to your satisfaction so that I may get credit for my work.

If you AREN'T satisfied, please ask for clarification or more information.
PictureFamily Physician  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3345 Health Accepts
Physician with 22 years experience in Emergency Medicine / Family Medicine		5/7/2008 to 5/14/2008
Reply to Family Physician
Sent October 12, 2006 12:04 a.m. (3 minutes and 7 seconds later)
She had 2 ASD devices put in catherter when she was 2. They assume the blockage was from this procedure, but we have no prior EKG's for proof. She now has a resting heart rate of 42 and an active heart rate of 128 (we did a stress test Monday, she should have been 160-180). She is on no medications. We thought about the diabetes so we did a blood sugar test (non-fasting) and it was 93.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 12, 2006 12:17 a.m. (13 minutes and 27 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
Diabetes is one of the most common cause of acidosis, there are other causes including some drugs, circulatory failure (congestive heart failure).
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic312.htm

Has she ever seen a doctor during one of these times? What did they tell you was the cause?


__________________
Please click "ACCEPT" if I answered your question to your satisfaction so that I may get credit for my work.

If you AREN'T satisfied, please ask for clarification or more information.
PictureFamily Physician  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3345 Health Accepts
Physician with 22 years experience in Emergency Medicine / Family Medicine		5/7/2008 to 5/14/2008
Reply to Family Physician
Sent October 12, 2006 12:19 a.m. (2 minutes and 0 seconds later)
they keep blaming it on strep throat, but in my gut, I don't think that is it. She has no other symptoms, and none develop, but the breath comes and goes. When you say congestive heart failure, is that related to the heart block?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 12, 2006 12:26 a.m. (6 minutes and 28 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Yes, the heart block (with the slow heart rate) does not allow the heart to pump to its full capacity.

Yes indeed, breath can smell because of any type of infection (including strep) - but since I can't see your daughter, I think it is reasonable to have her checked.

You might want ot consider having her seen in the ER to have some blood work (check for acidosis) and for strep. If she has strep - it is important that she be started on an antibiotic.


__________________
Please click "ACCEPT" if I answered your question to your satisfaction so that I may get credit for my work.

If you AREN'T satisfied, please ask for clarification or more information.
PictureFamily Physician  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3345 Health Accepts
Physician with 22 years experience in Emergency Medicine / Family Medicine		5/7/2008 to 5/14/2008

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Medical Questions & Online Health Advice
Question List - Become an Expert - Terms of Service - Security & Privacy - About Us
© 2008 Just Answer Corp.