Heiner syndrome

Heiner syndrome, also known as cow's milk hypersensitivity, is a condition that primarily affects infants. It is a type of food-induced pulmonary hypersensitivity where the body reacts strongly to proteins found in cow's milk. This reaction can affect the lungs and digestive system, making it challenging for infants who develop the condition. People with Heiner syndrome often experience lung issues and digestive problems. The condition is recognized by signs such as bleeding in the lungs and the digestive tract, as well as anemia and poor growth. These symptoms usually improve when cow's milk is removed from the diet, highlighting the importance of dietary management.

Common symptoms of Heiner syndrome include pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding into the lungs), digestive bleeding, anemia, and poor growth. These symptoms arise as part of the body’s reaction to cow's milk, which causes an inflammatory response in different organ systems.

Heiner syndrome is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to cow's milk proteins. This food-induced reaction triggers an inflammatory response, especially affecting the lungs and digestive system. The condition is not linked to genetic factors, and it mainly appears in infants who have been exposed to cow's milk.

The primary approach to managing Heiner syndrome is to eliminate cow's milk from the diet. Removing cow's milk usually leads to an improvement in symptoms such as lung bleeding, digestive bleeding, anemia, and poor growth. This dietary change is key to reducing the hypersensitivity reaction and improving the overall condition.

When Heiner syndrome is identified early and cow's milk is removed from the diet, the symptoms tend to improve. The overall outlook is favorable with proper dietary management, although monitoring is important to ensure that growth and development remain on track.

Information about current research is currently limited for this condition.