FPIES--What is it and What are the signs?

What is FPIES?

" FPIES is a non-IgE mediated immune reaction in the gastrointestinal system to one or more specific foods, commonly characterized by profuse vomiting and diarrhea. FPIES is presumed to be cell mediated. Poor growth may occur with continual ingestion. Upon removing the problem food(s), all FPIES symptoms subside. (Note: Having FPIES does not preclude one from having other allergies/intolerances with the food.) The most common FPIES triggers are cow's milk (dairy) and soy. However, any food can cause an FPIES reaction, even those not commonly considered allergens, such as rice, oat and barley. A child with FPIES may experience what appears to be a severe stomach bug, but the "bug" only starts a couple hours after the offending food is given. Many FPIES parents have rushed their children to the ER, limp from extreme, repeated projectile vomiting, only to be told, "It's the stomach flu." However, the next time they feed their children the same solids, the dramatic symptoms return.

     - See more at: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=99#sthash.6gqb8Arw.dpuf


The FPIES Foundation, http://fpiesfoundation.org/, is a wealth of information on all information FPIES related.  The Foundation lists some of the following important questions to ask:

 Has your child experienced severe episodes of vomiting after eating infant cereal and/or first foods; or drinking formula?

Do you question whether or not a specific food or foods may be contributing to your infant’s worsening symptoms of periodic vomiting, chronic diarrhea, reflux and/or failure to thrive?

These symptoms may indicate a need to speak with your child’s doctor about an FPIES evaluation.

Please read the following recent news story featuring a family whose son faces many challenges associated with FPIES, including a new intolerance to their ever trusted formula, Neocate Junior:

http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/food-supply-runs-short-for-boy-with-rare-allergy/-/9674510/22863834/-/madk5v/-/index.html