Chinese restaurant syndrome

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Chinese restaurant syndrome also known as Hot dog headache, Glutamate-induced asthma, monosodium glutamate syndrome is a sign and symptoms that occur in some people after eating Chinese food containing additive substance called monosodium glutamate (MSG).In 1986, a researcher identified symptoms that occurred in certain people after they ate foods containing MSG .Thus, the term coined.

MSG is used for flavor enhancer. MSG is chemically similar to one of the brain’s most important neurotransmitters, glutamate.

Symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Sweating
• Palpitations
• Flushing
• Wheezing
• Burning sensation on the back of the neck, chest, shoulders
• Sense of facial pressure or swelling

Cause and risks of the disease:

Chinese restaurant  syndrome is caused by eating high amount of MSG particularly in empty stomach .The intensity and the duration of symptoms are directly related to the amount of MSG ingested.

Diagnosis:

This syndrome is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms, symptoms are similar to an allergic reaction, and the first experience often results in a trip to the emergency room.

Symptoms occur within 30 to 60 minutes of eating MSG.

Following sings may also use to diagnosis:

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Decreased air entry into the lungs
• Rapid heart rate

Treatment: Treatment depends on the symptoms. Antihistamines are the most frequently used; symptoms will usually go away without treatment within 2 to 3 hours.

Life-threating symptoms require medical attention like chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Source:

1. www.nlm.nih.gov
2. health.discovery.com
3. en.wikipedia.org

Filed Under: Medicine

Tags: Chinese restaurant syndrome, featured, Glutamate-induced asthma, Hot dog headache, monosodium glutamate syndrome