FPIES stands for Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. It is a type of food allergy that affects the stomach and intestines. Unlike other food allergies that can cause hives or breathing problems, FPIES causes vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes low energy. These symptoms usually show up a few hours after eating a certain food, and they can make you feel very sick.

What causes FPIES?
FPIES happens when your body has a bad reaction to certain foods, but the foods that trigger it can be different for each person. Common foods that can cause FPIES in children are cow’s milk, soy, rice, and oats; In adults, the most common trigger is shellfish. Even though FPIES doesn’t cause an immediate reaction, it can still make you feel very ill after a few hours. Doctors aren’t sure why some people get FPIES, but they know it involves your immune system not working correctly with certain foods. While most kids outgrow FPIES by the age of 3 to 5 years, some people can still have FPIES as adults or even develop it later in life.

How is FPIES treated?
The best way to manage FPIES is to avoid the foods that trigger it. Sometimes, doctors will run tests or have you try small amounts of food in a safe place to figure out which foods cause problems. If you accidentally eat a food that triggers FPIES and start feeling sick, you might need to go to the hospital to get treated with fluids to help you recover. Most kids outgrow FPIES, but for adults who have it, it’s important to keep track of your triggers and work closely with your doctor to stay healthy.