Unexplained Sweet Smell in My Child's Urine
My son, age 5, is an American Indian and Hispanic child who is autistic. He had comprehensive genetic testing approximately 18 months ago. He also has a history of asthma and is currently on Symbicort, along with a rescue inhaler that he uses when necessary. Recently, while tidying up his room, I detected a sweet scent emanating from his bedding. Initially, I attributed it to a possible treat he might have snuck in without my knowledge, so I merely checked for any items that could attract pests. Today, I decided to change his mattress cover and discovered some spots that appeared to be urine. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the bedding had that same unusual sweet aroma. After giving him a shower, I checked his pull-up and was alarmed to find it also had a sweet smell, quite unlike typical urine. This situation is quite confusing for me—should I wait until Monday to contact his pediatrician, or is there an immediate action I should take regarding these concerning odors?
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 3:30:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about a sweet smell in your child's urine, as it can indicate specific health issues. The sweet odor may potentially signal conditions like diabetes or a metabolic disorder, which deserve attention.
Explanation:
The sweet smell in urine can occur due to the presence of substances like glucose, which may be elevated in cases of diabetes mellitus. While it's good to consider environmental factors, like the possibility of treats being hidden, the persistent sweet odor in your child's urine and bedding is a sign to evaluate further.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any other symptoms your son may have, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or irritability. This information will be crucial for your pediatrician.
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Hydration:
- Ensure he stays well-hydrated. Offer plenty of water throughout the day, as it can help dilute urine and may also help you monitor any changes in smell or color.
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Avoiding High-Sugar Foods:
- Limit high-sugar foods and drinks until you can consult with the pediatrician, as they may contribute to changes in urine odor.
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Prepare for Contacting His Pediatrician:
- Plan to contact the pediatrician as soon as possible. Given these symptoms, it would be better not to wait until Monday. Consider discussing your observations, including the sweet smell and any other symptoms you've noted.
Conclusion:
Your intuitive concern is valid, and taking these steps will help ensure your son’s health is closely monitored. It's always better to err on the side of caution with any unusual symptoms in children. Keep me updated on how things progress or if you have further questions.
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