Chinese restaurant syndrome

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Allergic reactions

Hot dog headache; Glutamate-induced asthma; MSG (monosodium glutamate) syndrome

• Headache
• Flushing
• Sweating
• Sense of facial pressure or swelling
• Numbness or burning in or around the mouth
• Chest pain

Chinese restaurant syndrome is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. The health care provider may ask the following questions as well:

• Have you eaten Chinese food within the past 2 hours?
• Have you eaten any other food that may contain monosodium glutamate within past 2 hours?

The following signs may also be used to aid in diagnosis:

• Abnormal heart rhythm observed on an electrocardiogram
• Rapid heart rate
• Decreased air entry into the lungs

Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.