Is this a food intolerance or stomach bug? Don't know what to do :-(

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Ds2 is 19 weeks old and ebf. He developed eczema a couple weeks ago and we were prescribed Cetraben for it. That didn't work so we've been using Aveeno on it. He has also had the most vile nappies for about the same amount of time - green, runny, frothy and mucousy. Last night we had a dreadful night - he vomited his second feed around 3am, then would only go to sleep in our arms. It has been the same since then without the vomiting. Every feed he finishes crying, he is exhausted but won't sleep or at least keeps waking every 20 or so minutes. When he is awake he's crying or moaning and really not himself. Any ideas if it's a bug, or something else? Or both? And what should I do? Ds1 has a very robust constitution and never had anything like this!

Ds2's syptoms sound very similar to those my DS had at around 16 weeks (waking every 30 minutes, crying after feeds, nasty nappies, bad skin, only sleeping on me.... he also had terriblle gas, bloated tummy and tummy cramps) After numerous visits with HVs and doctors he was finally (about 6 months later, but thats another story!) diagnosed with lactose intollerance. This did however coincide with the change from breast to formula feeding.
Is it possible that Ds2 may have picked up a tummy bug and then by continuing with feeding him breast milk (all dairy should be avoided when someone has a tummy bug, not that this is possible when breast feeding though obviously) he has developed a transient lactose intollerance? or have you increased the amount of dairy you've been eating, therefore passing higher lactose levels to Ds2?
On the other hand, my doctor did tell me that babies can suffer the ill effects of a tummy bug for weeks and weeks (my DS had the symptoms for 10 weeks at that point!) but i just knew that it wasn't right in my DS's case, so i kept fighting them! and i'm VERY glad i did.
Maybe go and speak to your doctor again, as even if it isn't lactose intollerance, Ds2 and his symptoms are obviosly causing you concern, and trust your instinct.
Maybe try reducing/eliminating dairy in your diet and see if over the next few weeks it makes a difference to Ds2. you can still get plenty of calcium in your diet from other foods or lactofree replacements.

It certainly sounds possible it could be an intolerance would definately go see the gp maybe start a food diary so u can record what u have eaten in regard to severity of symptoms x possible a stomach bug coulda triggered a temporary intolerance but doctor should ve able to say x x

Well the GP is convinced it isn't a lactose intolerance. We put the vomiting incident down to a cold but there is still no explanation for the nappies, other than teething, and the eczema, other than it's common in babies. I guess I have to trust what she's saying but there are a few too many 'maybes' for my liking.

I don't know what else to do though, so guess I'll just have to see how it goes. Thanks for your replies.

It seems to be something docs have trouble diagnosing it took numerous visits to finally get something done about my dd. Eczema can also be a sign. Doctor is right in that teething could be behind it all but also trust your instincts u know ur baby they don't and teething and colic are the first Port of call alot of the time. Hope ur dc feels better soon just don't be afraid to go back if things dont improve. :)

Thanks. I think what decided the GP is that he only has the nappies and eczema as symptoms. Normally he is perfectly fine, no colic, crying or cramps. The crying over the weekend has been put down to a cold as he had other cold symptoms. You'e right, I will go back if there is no improvement.