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Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis (FPIES) Treatment in Pioneer Square - Seattle, WA

Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Treatment in Pioneer Square - Seattle, WA

Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis (FPIES) is a unique presentation of protein intolerance, unlike eosinophilic esophagitis , gastritis, or gastroenteritis , FPIES presents a delayed reaction and is difficult to diagnose.

In general, FPIES presents soon after birth. Infants display a severe reaction to specific foods, most notably milk and soy; although rice, grains, oats, turkey, chicken, duck, egg-whites, peanuts, green peas, sweet potato, fruit and fish have all been reported to induce FPIES as well.

Symptoms of Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis

FPIES typically presents with:

  • Severe vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Severe diarrhea

These may seem like symptoms we've all experienced at some point, but the severity of these symptoms in FPIES are what set this condition apart from a mere food allergy or slight intolerance. It's been reported by the International FPIES Association (I-FPIES) that 20% children who experience an acute FPIES attack go into shock and require immediate emergency care.

The onset of food protein induced enterocolitis is unusual in that it is delayed. Typically allergic reactions take place almost immediately, FPIES can start to show symptoms anywhere from half-an-hour to 6 hours after consumption of specific trigger foods.

What about Adults?

Though it's suspected that the majority of infants will outgrow FPIES before 3-years of age, it's still suspected to be a wide spread condition in adults. The nature of current diagnostic tests prevent a confirmation of the condition however. As a result—though many adults present with these symptoms—rarely is a diagnosis made. Only one conformed case of FPIES has yet been made. It should be said though, that the majority of suspected adult cases of FPIES react to seafood the most.

Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Treatments

There is no known cure for food protein induced enterocolitis. A strict diet is recommended and in the case of treatment, an IV will most likely be administered to curb dehydration.

Due to the nature of FPIES, skin allergy tests and blood allergy tests typically provide false negative results. Though blood testing can reveal elevated white blood cell count, platelet increase and low red blood cell (RBC) numbers to help point a diagnosis in the right direction, these cannot confirm the condition.

Confirmation is done by a test known as an Oral Food Challenge (OFC), more specifically, DBPCFC (Double Blind Placebo Controlled Food Challenge). In this test patients are asked to eat a variety of foods that are suspected to have caused their symptoms. The problem is that most patients decline to participate, having experienced symptoms so severe they wish never to experience them again. They would rather avoid these foods altogether. Thus a true diagnosis can't be made.

In some cases a misdiagnosis of gastrointeritous or Scombroid poisoning is made. Food protein induced enterocolitis (FPIES) is a serious, severe form of protein intolerance typically present in infants, but may linger into adulthood without confirmation.

Request more information about Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis (FPIES) today. Call (206) 966-4522 or contact Dr. Marina Abrams online.

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Water's Edge Natural Medicine
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Address

1000 2nd Ave
Suite 2920
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 966-4522
www.naturopathic.com

Hours

Mon: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thu: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Areas We Service:

Bellevue, WA, Medina, WA, Mercer Island, WA, Redmond, WA, Woodinville, WA, Bainbridge Island, WA, Snohomish, WA, Belltown, WA, South Lake Union, WA, Clyde Hill, WA, Beacon Hill, WA, Capitol Hill, WA, Interbay, WA, Pioneer Square, WA, Queen Anne, WA, West Seattle, WA