Adult acetonemic vomiting complicated with low body weight in a subject with complex pulmonary disease: a case report

Abstract

Pulmonary diseases often cause significant health issues and nutritional disorders. Weight loss and malnutrition are related to the severity of obstructive disorders. Therefore, patients with such conditions often experience low nutritional energy. Acetonemic vomiting is caused by acetonemic syndrome. Previously, it was believe that acetonemic vomiting was observed only in childhood. However, it was recently suggested that acetonemic vomiting can also occur in adults. It is also considered that acetonemic vomiting can occur in subjects with low body weight because stored carbohydrate levels are reduced and fats are mainly used for energy. Consequently, large amounts of acetone are produced, ultimately resulting in nausea and vomiting. In this study, we report a case of adult acetonemic vomiting complicated by low body weight in a subject with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease.