Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

The non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal hypersensitivity that primarily affects young children and infants is known as FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. A few hours after the ingestion of certain food proteins like soy protein, grains protein, cow milk, etc. symptoms of FPIES start appearing like severe vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, etc. As Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is non-IgE mediated it does not involve immediate hypersensitivity like hives.

In Ayurveda, it can be understood through intolerance or non-adaptation (Asatmyata) which refers to the inability of the individual to tolerate a specific substance. This intolerance is the result of digestive fire imbalance (Agni Dusthi), Vata, Pitta imbalance, and toxin formation (Ama) in the body and shares similarities with Malabsorption syndrome (Grahani Roga), Atisara.

Along with this food proteins that trigger the symptoms of Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) align with the concept of incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara). Due to weak digestive fire and immature digestive system, milk-fed infants (Ksheerada) and milk and solid food-introduced infants (Ksheer-Anaada) are affected by this syndrome.

Here, you will find the Ayurvedic treatment for Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) like detoxification therapy, Single Herbs, rejuvenation therapy Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The treatment helps in balancing the vitiated Dosha, and digestive fire and removes toxins from the body which will certainly help to treat Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES).

What is Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)?

Gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity that is non-IgE-mediated and primarily affects infants and young children is known as Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). This syndrome does not show immediate symptoms as it is non-IgE mediated, and symptoms appear after two to six hours after ingestion of trigger food.

Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) – As Per Ayurveda

In Ayurveda Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) can be understood through intolerance or non-adaptation (Asatmyata) which refers to the inability of the individuals to tolerate a specific substance. This intolerance is the result of digestive fire imbalance (Agni Dusthi), Vata, Pitta imbalance, and toxin formation (Ama) in the body and shares similarities with Malabsorption syndrome (Grahani Roga), Atisara.

Along with this food proteins that trigger the symptoms of Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) align with the concept of incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara) and show symptoms like recurrent vomiting, watery diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, low blood pressure, hypothermia, etc.  

Who Gets Affected by Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)?

Due to weak digestive fire and immature digestive system, milk-fed infants (Ksheerada) and milk and solid food-introduced infants (Ksheer-Anaada) are affected by this syndrome. Symptoms of FPIES usually start appearing within the first year of life.

Peak onset is between 4 to 9 months of age when grains like rice, oats, cow milk, etc are introduced to the infant. Adults are less commonly affected by FPIES, but few cases are reported, and it is hard to diagnose Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) in adults as it mimics other gastrointestinal conditions like food poisoning.

Are Breastfed Infants Affected by Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)?

Breastfed infants are rarely affected by FPIES unless exposed to some trigger protein through the mother i.e. breast milk.

How Common is Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)?

In the 1960s, the first cases of infantile FPIES in cow’s milk, soy, or rice were reported in the literature.

As per the survey, the prevalence of Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) in infants is 0.015 to 0.7 %. As per a survey in the United States, the prevalence of acute FPIES in adults is 0.22% while in children it is 0.51 %. The most common food that affects FPIES in adults as per the survey is seafood while in infants cow’s milk, rice, avocado, etc. are the culprits.

Types of Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

Based on onset, duration, and severity FPIES are classified into 4 types:-

1. Acute FPIES
2. Chronic FPIES
3. Atypical FPIES
4. Adult onset FPIES

1. Acute FPIES: The onset of acute FPIES occurs usually by a single exposure and within two to six hours after ingesting the trigger food with symptoms like repetitive vomiting, lethargy, paleness, etc. In severe cases, it may lead to low blood pressure and shock. Common triggers for acute EPIES are soy, rice, and cow’s milk. Fish, egg.

2. Chronic FPIES: Chronic FPIES usually occur with repeated exposure to trigger food for a long time. When infants are fed with trigger food regularly the symptoms start appearing like frequent vomiting, poor weight gain, malnutrition, failure to thrive, etc. 

3. Atypical FPIES: Atypical FPIES, is a rare type in which IgE antibodies are also present and often mistaken with other GIT disorders as it mimics the symptoms of food poisoning.

4. Adult onset FPIES: This is like atypical FPIES, mistaken with other gastrointestinal disorders but IgE antibodies are not involved in it.