Pediatric food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)

What is pediatric food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)?

FPIES is type of food allergy that impacts mostly infants (0 to 1 year) and young children (1 to 5 years). It occurs when the digestive tract (also known as the gastrointestinal or GI tract), including the small intestine and colon, become inflamed and swollen in response to an allergic reaction.

FPIES is typically seen within the first few weeks or months of life, but can occur later if a child has only been breastfed. Children can, but will not always, outgrow FPIES by age 3.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)?

• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Failure to thrive (trouble gaining weight)
• Intense and frequent vomiting
• Lack of energy (lethargy)
• Weight loss

What are the causes of pediatric food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)?

FPIES is caused by ingesting a food or drink that triggers an allergic reaction.

Triggers vary between children, as do allergies and the severity of the reaction to each trigger.

• Dairy and soy, including infant formulas
• Rice, oats and barley
• Green beans and peas
• Sweet potatoes and squash
• Chicken and turkey