Inconsolable crying - what could be wrong with her?

[BonyM]

Yesterday morning, dd2 (12mths) vomited quite spectacularly 3 times. She then slept for most of the day, but in between sleeps she would have moments of being quite jolly and like her normal self. At various points though she would suddenly start crying, writhing around, arching her back, and nothing I could do would console her. Didn't want to be held, wouldn't suck her (usually beloved) dummy. This would go on non-stop for about 15-20 mins and then stop, at which point she would seem exhausted and just sit quietly on my lap or fall asleep.

She started again as I was putting her to bed last night, but breastfeeding her calmed her immediately and she then slept well (after a dose of Nurofen) until 3.30am, when she woke and started screaming again. I fed her again, which again calmed her.

At 5.30am she woke again (usual time for waking) and dh brought her into bed with us - I fed her again which stopped the crying, but because I had fed her at 3.30am, there wasn't much milk, and as soon as it had run out she started wailing and writhing again - this went on for about 20 mins.

She woke at 8.30am and seems absolutely fine, but I am worried that she might get another crying fit.

Has anyone got any ideas as to what it could be? Teething maybe - one of her cheeks is a bit flushed (but would this cause the vomiting?). Was a bit worried it might be connected with the MMR that she had a week ago, but the symptoms don't seem to be a common reaction.

Not sure whether to take her to the GP as she seems ok in between screaming episodes.

Sounds like she has a tummy bug, very much doubt it has anything to do with mmr. Too long after.
I would take her to GP just in case but other than that keep feeding her and sure it will pass in a couple of days

I would imagine that if she has a tumy bug, she is getting occasional griping pains whcih is causing her to cry and writhe about. You might even find she has diarrhoea today which would suggest the bug is working its way down through her.

Oh just read about the MMR. Yes that could cause a reaction now. I don't agree with bluejelly that it is too long after the jab. Only one of my children had a reaction to their MMr but it occurred several days later (I believe a reaction can occur up to 10 days later).

Well, she has just had a very grotty nappy, so could be a tummy bug. She seems to want to eat though so wasn't sure if that could be it.

Wrt the MMR, the nurse said that any reaction would be 7-10 days after, but would be mild fever or rash which she hasn't got.

Yes my son's reaction was a whopping temperature with no other symptoms which we assumed was caused by the MMR.

Well, it does sound like a tummy bug. It is horrible when they are ill and just lie there crying or not responding. It doesn't really get any easier as they get older either, but at least you satrt to know what to expect. Hopefully, she will be better soon.

Well, she's just eaten most of her weetabix and banana, but is pretty grouchy. Thanks for your replies.

I just hate it when they're ill at this age as they can't tell you what's wrong and it's all second-guessing.

My dd always wanted to eat and drink even if she had a bad tummy

Just had another bout of wailing and crying - didn't want to be held, kept pushing me away. I hate to see her so distressed.

ear infection. Get her to GP ASAP - the pain for teenies is horrible. Ibuprofen is wonder ful for this until the ABs kick in.

It does sound very like some MMR reactions I have heard (and in the same timescale- did it start very shortly after the MMR- within a few days? The screaming type reactions ususally do).

I would take her to the GP and check for an ear infection- as highlander says it can look like this, and that is probably the most likely explanation.

If there is no ear infection (and even if there is) I would also give some probiotics- you can get ones for children from health food shops.

If you've ruled out everything else and think it may be MMR realted I would also try and get some extra vitamin A into her.

Had wondered about ear infection but there is no fever and in between crying bouts she is her happy normal self although is a bit more sensitive than usual.

GP closed this afternoon so if no improvement will take her tomorrow morning.

Can occasionally have ear infections without temp- has she had ear infections before? I'd give probiotics then and vitamin A rich food (carrot and apple juice diluted 50:50 with water will give beta-carotenes - can be turned into vitamin A and is an easy way to get them into her). That will help if it is an MMR reaction.