Chinese Restaurant Syndrome

The Philippine Christmas season that started in September last year has finally culminated with the end of the Chinese lunar year that gave way to the arrival of the Year of the Dog. Like all Chinese New Years in recent years and the past, Kung Hei Fat Choi is always celebrated with glorious Chinese foods, dragon dance, and music. It is known among medical practitioners that after the festive celebration, some people develop symptoms that point to what is known as Chinese restaurant syndrome.

What is Chinese restaurant syndrome?

It is a set of symptoms that people have after eating Chinese food. A food additive called monosodium glutamate (MSG) or the commonly known vetsin has been blamed for the condition. However, this has not been proven to be the cause (medlineplus.gov). Chinese restaurant syndrome is sometimes referred to as MSG syndrome or Hot dog headache.

Chinese restaurant syndrome first appeared in 1968 when reports of serious reactions to Chinese food were reported in medical journals. Although MSG was blamed to be the culprit to the condition, studies have failed to show the connection between MSG and the symptoms some people describe. Studies claim that some people are particularly sensitive to food additives, including MSG, a food additive that is chemically similar to one of the brain’s neurotransmitters, glutamate.

What are the symptoms and signs pointing to Chinese restaurant syndrome?

Symptoms include: Headache, chest pain, flushing, numbness or burning sensation in or around the mouth, sense of facial pressure or swelling, and sweating. The following signs may aid in the diagnosis: Abnormal heart rhythm on electrocardiogram, difficulty in breathing, and rapid heart rate.

How is diagnosis established?

Since diagnosis can be made through medical history, your doctor may ask the following questions: Have you eaten Chinese food within the past 2 hours? Have you eaten any other food that may contain MSG with the past 2 hours?

Treatment

Treatment is dependent on the symptoms. Most mild symptoms, such as headache or flushing might need no treatment at all. These symptoms disappear even without medicine. Life-threatening symptoms that are similar to severe allergic reaction require immediate medical attention. In general, prognosis of patients with Chinese restaurant syndrome is good. People with mild symptoms will have no lasting problems. People with life-threatening reactions should be more careful with Chinese food and foods with MSG; and should always carry with them the prescribed anti-allergy medicines.