FPIES- What the heck is it?
What on earth is the FPIES we speak of? Chaos. Heartbreak. Concern. Anxiety. Worry. Time. Money. Check out the word ribbon I made to see all of my other emotions that FPIES makes me feel. FPIES is however more than just a jumbled bunch of emotions.
FPIES is the acronym for Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. Which is a different type of food allergy, it's an allergy that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and all sorts of other nasty GI issues.
The FPIES foundation states that "Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a type of food allergy affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Classic symptoms of FPIES include profound vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. These symptoms can lead to severe lethargy, change in body temperature and blood pressure".
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) states "Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare food allergy that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Unlike most food allergies, symptoms of FPIES do not begin immediately after eating. Instead, it can take hours before severe symptoms begin."
In short, symptoms tend to be the following:
The weird thing about FPIES is that the symptoms are late-onset, meaning they usually occur multiple hours after exposure. It's great when you're a parent! If I know that Kennedy grabbed something that she reacts to, I have usually between 2-3 hours to prepare for the crazy amount of vomit and diarrhea that are about to ensue. Sucky thing- its really hard to narrow down what the kid got into 3 hours ago if you didn't know to keep an eye out for it then.
I've created this really cool infographic (below) to try to explain a little more about FPIES :)
FPIES is the acronym for Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. Which is a different type of food allergy, it's an allergy that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and all sorts of other nasty GI issues.
The FPIES foundation states that "Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a type of food allergy affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Classic symptoms of FPIES include profound vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. These symptoms can lead to severe lethargy, change in body temperature and blood pressure".
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) states "Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare food allergy that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Unlike most food allergies, symptoms of FPIES do not begin immediately after eating. Instead, it can take hours before severe symptoms begin."
In short, symptoms tend to be the following:
- Vomiting (late-onset)
- Diarrhea (after vomiting begins)
- Dehydration (due to the above)
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in body temperature
- Lethargy
- Failure to Thrive
The weird thing about FPIES is that the symptoms are late-onset, meaning they usually occur multiple hours after exposure. It's great when you're a parent! If I know that Kennedy grabbed something that she reacts to, I have usually between 2-3 hours to prepare for the crazy amount of vomit and diarrhea that are about to ensue. Sucky thing- its really hard to narrow down what the kid got into 3 hours ago if you didn't know to keep an eye out for it then.
I've created this really cool infographic (below) to try to explain a little more about FPIES :)
WHO GETS FPIES?
Well if that wasn't a loaded question, I don't know what is.
INFANTS & CHILDREN
Typically signs of FPIES are shown when kiddos are born through age 1. Lots of kiddos show signs and react to formula or food through their mothers breast milk. Others start showing signs when solid foods are introduced between 4 & 6 months.
ADULTS
Studies show and the "doctors" state that FPIES only affects kids. WRONG. There are many adults still out there that have symptoms IDENTICAL to FPIES that they have been suffering with since birth. Me included! It has gotten BETTER as I've gotten older, but it has not gone away. For example- I can now handle baked dairy and small amounts of non-baked dairy, but much more than that and man you want to stand clear.
INFANTS & CHILDREN
Typically signs of FPIES are shown when kiddos are born through age 1. Lots of kiddos show signs and react to formula or food through their mothers breast milk. Others start showing signs when solid foods are introduced between 4 & 6 months.
ADULTS
Studies show and the "doctors" state that FPIES only affects kids. WRONG. There are many adults still out there that have symptoms IDENTICAL to FPIES that they have been suffering with since birth. Me included! It has gotten BETTER as I've gotten older, but it has not gone away. For example- I can now handle baked dairy and small amounts of non-baked dairy, but much more than that and man you want to stand clear.
