Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Ask a Question Reviewed by Bruce J. Lanser, MD, MPH (September 15, 2016) FPIES is an uncommon adverse GI reaction to a particular food. It is different from more common food allergies like IgE mediated food allergy. The exact mechanism is not clearly understood. Patients typically experience symptoms before 1 year of age, and it often can be difficult for providers to diagnose until a few episodes have occurred. The reactions almost always include profuse vomiting, a few hours after eating a trigger food. The child can also be lethargic, have cool or clammy skin, and look very sick. FPIES affects less than 0.5% of the population. Reactions to new foods are uncommon after the first year of life. FPIES can be outgrown within a few years, but certain foods may persist longer. The treatment for FPIES involves strict avoidance of the trigger food, and often a special dietary plan for introducing new foods. Your child’s allergist will typically work closely with a nutritionist to help make this plan, and monitor growth and nutrition. Sometimes it may be necessary to also work with a feeding therapist. Most Common FPIES Foods Milk Soy Oat Rice Other Common FPIES Foods Legumes (peas, beans, lentils) Poultry (chicken and turkey) Egg Fish and Shellfish Banana Sweet Potato (*not white potato) Wheat Programs & Services Allergy Treatment Programs (Pediatric) Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by Bruce J. Lanser, MD, MPH (September 15, 2016) FPIES is an uncommon adverse GI reaction to a particular food. It is different from more common food allergies like IgE mediated food allergy. The exact mechanism is not clearly understood. Patients typically experience symptoms before 1 year of age, and it often can be difficult for providers to diagnose until a few episodes have occurred. The reactions almost always include profuse vomiting, a few hours after eating a trigger food. The child can also be lethargic, have cool or clammy skin, and look very sick. FPIES affects less than 0.5% of the population. Reactions to new foods are uncommon after the first year of life. FPIES can be outgrown within a few years, but certain foods may persist longer. The treatment for FPIES involves strict avoidance of the trigger food, and often a special dietary plan for introducing new foods. Your child’s allergist will typically work closely with a nutritionist to help make this plan, and monitor growth and nutrition. Sometimes it may be necessary to also work with a feeding therapist. Most Common FPIES Foods Milk Soy Oat Rice Other Common FPIES Foods Legumes (peas, beans, lentils) Poultry (chicken and turkey) Egg Fish and Shellfish Banana Sweet Potato (*not white potato) Wheat