MSPI & Reflux: Dealing with the Differences

The symptoms may be similar, but finding the true source of your baby's issues can be an ongoing journey. 

Reflux might just be the by-product (or a symptom). The diagnosis might start with MSPI and then change to reflux, where the course of treatment will be very different. Medication may be necessary.

In many cases, it's all a scary and difficult process of elimination. 

What is MSPI?  


Milk Soy Protein Intolerance
The inability to digest proteins found in cow’s milk and soy products.

This is not lactose intolerance; this is an intolerance to the protein, not the sugar found in cow and human milk. Lactose-free formulas won't help MSPI. 

Symptoms: According to MSPIMama.com, "common symptoms include: reflux; upset stomach; gas; runny, painful bowel movements; blood in the stool; congestion; a rough skin rash on the face, head and chest; colicky behavior; abnormal sleep patterns; refusal to eat or sometimes constantly eating and purging." MSPI is diagnosed through symptoms, not a test, and can easily be confused with lactose intolerance, milk allergy, colic, reflux, etc. 

Did your child have an MSPI diagnosis? What was your successful or unsuccessful source of treatment?

Further reading:

MSPI Mistaken for Reflux? Long Story! - The BabyCenter Surviving Reflux Community

What is MSPI?, Children's Health News

From a mom's perspective: It’s Not Just Colic: Dealing with Infant Reflux, Milk/Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) & Other GI Issues