What Could It Be?? Please Help!

Updated on August 21, 2011
N.L. asks from Asheville, NC
20 answers

My son is 18 months. He has been sleeping thru the night, but tonight he woke up at midnight crying hard as he was in pain... after almost 2 hours he was able to fall asleep (gave him ibuprofen). at 6.00am he woke up crying again and it's 9.30am and we were not able to figure it out what is going on... Went for a walk, 2 baths, does't want to eat or drink... I see he is tired and miserable... He already cut all his teeth, we are just waiting for the second molars but I'm not able to check his mouth. No fever, he was able to calm down a little bit if we put him in the stroller and move him around... Gave him again ibuprofen.... Any ideas??? What should I do??? Please help!!!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the comments...
He started to run low fever... Then we thought it was the shots he was given last tuesday... we called the doc and she wanted to see him monday... He is having an ear infection... (his 2nd one in 18 months). he is taking amoxicillin every 12 hours... He lost almost 1 pound... Hope he gets better soon... He is so miserable....

Featured Answers

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

I'd call the pediatrician, but don't discount those 2 year old molars... my son is 20 months old and his 4th molar is almost all the way in, he's been miserable!

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H.P.

answers from Orlando on

It sounds like teething to me. My 2nd son starter getting his 2 yr molars before he was 2. The teeth might be starting to move up to break through & that us extremely painful.
Poor little guy. I hope he feels better soon!

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L.S.

answers from Spokane on

My daughter used to have really bad leg cramps associated with restless leg syndrome that started around age 2. She would wake up shrieking and I could see her calf muscle contracting (once I knew what to look for). What solved it for us was making sure she was VERY hydrated during the day - at least a litre of water and/or juice per day.

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S.A.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like ear pain or tummy pain. My youngest sometimes doesn't get fevers with ear infections. He will just wake up in the night crying. I take him in and sure enough, it's an ear infection. Sometimes he'll wake up crying then pass some gas and he'll fall back asleep.

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

It could very well be his molars coming in.

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P.W.

answers from Dallas on

I'd make a run to the doc today if he doesn't feel better yet

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R.M.

answers from Topeka on

My guess is teeth...see if he would like to suck on a frozen popsicle...you can get the ones that are fruit so you avoid so much sugar. If it is his teeth that cold will help. My guess is a big part of it is that you are upset (understandably) and it is communicating itself to him. Do you have a ergo or other baby carrier so you can "wear him" for a while? That always seems to soothe my grandsons and you can try to just get on with your morning routine and as you settle down he may follow suit.
Good luck

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

My son used to get ear infections that started like this.

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C.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Ear infection, sore throat, upset belly (alot of stomach bugs going around). Don't assume that just because he doesn't have a fever he couldn't have an ear infection. My kids never had one, and only got a low grade one at that, until their ears were flaming red.

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

it could be several things...

a bad dream that is sticking in his brain
a spider or bug bite that you haven't seen
could be the beginnings of strep throat (it doesn't always come with a fever)
could be a growth spurt - 18 months is usually a good 1" growth spurt...
could be his two year molars coming in early....

I would contact his pediatrician on Monday AM if it's still going on over the weekend...if you can't get him comfortable this evening...call the after hours line and see what they want you to do!!

Good luck!!

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R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds like his molars may be starting to come in, my little guy is 28 months and started around 18 months as well. They're still not all the way in and he gets this way every couple of months or so. It usually lasts overnight to 4 or 5 days at a time, he won't eat or drink anything unless it's cold, is fussy, whiny and generally miserable :-/

Ibuprofen for his pain, cool or cold foods like yogurt, pudding, popsicles and cold drinks. Check with his pediatrician to make sure this is it as well ✿

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

.

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B.H.

answers from Tallahassee on

I would say ear infection. My kids ear infections always started this way. Hope he feels better soon!

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A.G.

answers from Mayaguez on

Maybe tummy hurts? Has he pooped? Rub his belly, give spoonfuls of cold water. Just keep him hydrated.
If it was his ears, he'd probably prefer sitting down, rather than lying down. Hope he feels better soon.

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N.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds like an ear infection or his 2 yr molars. My lil' guy started his at 16 months. It has been horrible. We have 2 months cycles of night wakings, screaming irritability then a molar pops through. Both of his bottom have been cut through since 21 months.

Just this past week he has been a MONSTER he also has this God awful clear runny nose and bronchial cough again. Sure enough took a peek this morning and top left molar is making its way though--the other is horribly swollen and red. I'm hoping he's done by his 2nd b-day (at the end of Sept.) He's way ahead of my first who wasn't even close to being done until 2.5 yrs.

I have found nothing that works, IBprofen helps at night but he still wakes but at least goes back to sleep, without, he won't go back to sleep. Yesterday he cried hysterically through his whole nap. I was thinking possible ear infection, but I've had the same symptoms with the last 4 teeth and have taken in him twice and no ear infections :( Today he's been cranky but not hysterical!

My little guy has even ran a fever of 100-101 when cutting his molars, soon as they cut its gone :( Hope he feels better soon!

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Ear infection? That usually gets worse at night. Call the pediatrician and have his ears checked.

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L.R.

answers from Naples on

Hi I am a certified Homeopath, not sure what is going on but if the molars are coming in it is painful...a good homeopathic remedy for pain with teeth coming in is: Chamomile 1M, you can also rub some diluted peppermint oil on the gums. Question would be is his bowels moving ok? Ok, that is it for now with no other information it is hard. Good luck

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J.K.

answers from Dallas on

Teething or ear infection

G.M.

answers from Phoenix on

It could be constipation, or gas. Gas will make the tummy cramp as it travels. And if he is constipated on top of that, it will surely make him uncomfortable.
Also, some kids experience 'growing pains'. My 2 year old is, and my nephew did as well. As kids's bodies stretch in the growth period, it can sometimes really make them ache.
If you feel as though it's none of these, I would give the pedi doc a call to see what he/she says.
Oh, you can try Mylicon drops for the gas if you think it could be gas that is bothering your little one.
Hope he feels better soon. Poor little guy. I think this is the toughest part of being a parent with children so young that they cannot express into words what is making them hurt.

I just saw others responses about ear infection, and indeed have that checked out too because that can be really bothersome for babies.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

At this age, they can have "night terrors" already.
My kids did, once they were about that age.
It is a developmental occurrence.
It is involuntary.
Google Search "night terrors."

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