Symptoms vary from individual to individual, and may present at different ages. During the first weeks of life a baby can become very unwell, as it can no longer rely on the mother’s placenta for clearing these harmful products. Once the baby is feeding protein, the harmful acids build up. Babies in this situation usually present with drowsiness, rapid breathing and vomiting and they can become seriously ill. A spell in hospital will therefore be necessary.
However parents sometimes notice odd smells when their children are slightly unwell with a cold or something similar; these can be an early indicator to start emergency regimen treatment.
Occasionally children may not develop any symptoms until they are older. They may be considered to have a milder variation of the condition; however careful management is just as important.