Infant Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome - Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a rare food allergy that can affect babies. This condition, which is more common in boy babies than girl babies, often presents itself when infants start eating solid foods, particularly those containing dairy or soy.

FPIES is not easily diagnosed through standardized skin or blood tests. A controlled oral test may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms of FPIES can include severe vomiting, diarrhea, acute dehydration, changes in body temperature, cyanosis (a blue coloration of the skin), thrombocytosis (an increase in blood platelet count), extreme weight loss, quickened pulse rate, and shallow breathing. In cases where these symptoms are severe, a baby might require IV fluids.

The good news is that FPIES is usually a temporary condition, resolving by the age of 3. However, in some cases, it can persist into adolescence. Steroid injections can help reduce the severity of FPIES symptoms and the child's immune response to triggers.

For medical advice and guidance on FPIES, it is essential to consult a pediatrician. Lifestyle treatments, such as identifying and removing trigger foods from the diet, can help manage chronic FPIES symptoms. Bottle-fed babies are more likely to contract FPIES than breastfed babies.

It's important to note that FPIES affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This means that certain foods, such as chicken, eggs, turkey, fish, squash, peas, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and other solid food items, can cause FPIES in babies. Consuming a lot of dairy products might also result in the development of FPIES in babies.

Lifestyle changes are necessary to manage FPIES in a baby's life. With proper diet and management, FPIES can be cured. This article aims to provide guidance on dealing with FPIES in infants. Always remember, for accurate and personalised advice, consult a healthcare professional.