Q: My toddler has sweet-smelling breath and feels hot but is otherwise active. Should I be concerned?

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Question: "My 22-month-old toddler, who weighs about 10kg, has recently developed sweet-smelling breath and her body feels hot to the touch. Apart from this, she is very active and seems fine. Is this a cause for alarm?"

Answer:

It’s reassuring that your toddler is active! Sweet-smelling breath and body hotness can sometimes happen for simple reasons like eating something sugary or mild dehydration, especially if she’s been unwell recently.

Here’s what you can do:

• Check if she has a fever or signs of dehydration (less urination, dry lips).

• Make sure she hasn’t eaten anything sweet that could explain the smell.

• Keep her hydrated and monitor her activity level.

In rare cases, sweet-smelling breath could be linked to more serious conditions like ketosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), especially if accompanied by fast breathing, excessive sleepiness, or reduced appetite. If the sweet smell continues or other concerning symptoms appear, it’s best to see her pediatrician for a blood sugar or ketone test.

Stay calm and keep an eye on her—this is likely nothing serious.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us