Chinese Restaurant SyndromeSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
MSG symptom complex is a set of symptoms associated with eating food with the additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is the sodium salt of a common amino acid, glutamic acid. MSG is found naturally in our bodies and in many foods including cheese and tomatoes. MSG is added to many different types of foods as a flavor enhancer.
Hot dog headache; Glutamate-induced asthma; MSG (monosodium glutamate) syndrome; Chinese restaurant syndrome; Kwok's syndrome
Reports of reactions to MSG originated in 1968 in a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Since then, reports of reactions to MSG have come from people claiming to experience symptoms after consuming food containing MSG. However, studies on MSG in foods have failed to find a conclusive link between MSG and the symptoms some people describe.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did a study of the issue and found no evidence that MSG in food caused symptoms. The report did find minor reactions in people who consumed 3 or more grams of MSG alone without food. Most foods with MSG have less than 0.5 grams of the additive.
MSG is rated as "generally considered safe" by the FDA.
Symptoms, if they occur, are usually mild and go away in a short time:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Numbness or burning in or around the mouth
- Heart palpitations
- Tingling
- Drowsiness
Most symptoms are mild, such as headache or flushing, and need no treatment.
Las Vegas Skin And Cancer Clinic
After graduating from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Frederick F. Herman, MD decided to embrace his calling and apply to medical school. He obtained his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and from there trained with various hospitals in Los Angeles including UCLA Medical Center in Pediatrics and Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Allergy and Immunology.Thirty years of research experience has made Dr. Herman an expert Allergist. He has conducted research on asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, immunotherapy and chemical sensitivity. His diverse clinical experience has allowed him to serve as an expert witness for various illnesses such as respiratory disease, mold related illness, immune deficiency, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He has testified in front of the California Legislature regarding health and mold exposure.Dr. Herman remains true to the Jesuit values he learned at Loyola Marymount by living out the Jesuit tradition of working for and with others. He is particularly passionate about children's health, and for many years served on the board of the Ronald McDonald House as the Director of the Asthma Camp Programs. Dr. Herman also served as Medical Director with the City of Long Beach, where he managed programs to assist in the treatment of children with asthma, diabetes, and obesity. He was actively involved with the 'Breath- mobile', an RV that provides treatment for asthma to those who otherwise may not have access to proper medical care.His diverse expertise, experience, and excellent bedside manner has made him one of the most sought after physicians in the country. Sacramento Press Tribune Newspaper voted Dr. Herman the best physician as voted by the Sacramento readership for many years. For six years in a row he was listed as Best Allergy Doctor in Sacramento Magazine and was recognized for Excellence in Allergy/Immunology research by the American College of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTSRonald McDonald House: Director of the Asthma Camp ProgramsCity of Long Beach: Medical DirectorBreathmobile: Active memberResearch on asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, immunotherapy and chemical sensitivityExpert witness for various illnessesCalifornia Legislature: testified regarding health and mold exposure Sacramento Press Tribune Newspaper: Best PhysicianSacramento Magazine: Best Allergy Doctor, six years in a rowAmerican College of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Excellence in Allergy and Immunology ResearchDr Herman remains true to the Jesuit vales he learned at Loyola Marymont by living out the Jesuit tradition of working for and with others. He is particularly passionate about children's health. Dr. Herman is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Sinusitis, Grass Allergy, Allergic Rhinitis, and Nasal Polyps.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
John Anthony is a Dermatologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Anthony has been practicing medicine for over 35 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Contact Dermatitis, Actinic Keratosis, Bullous Pemphigoid, and Erythromelalgia.
Weiss Medical Allergy Asthma And Immunology
Jeffrey Weiss is an Allergy and Immunologist in Riverdale, New Jersey. Dr. Weiss is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Hives, Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, and Food Allergy. Dr. Weiss is currently accepting new patients.
Most people recover from perceived MSG symptom complex without treatment and have no lasting problems.
Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a possible allergic reaction or another serious illness, including:
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the lips or throat
Published Date: July 15, 2024
Published By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Aronson JK. Monosodium glutamate. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:1103-1104.
Bush RK, Baumert JL, Taylor SL. Reactions to food and drug additives. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al. eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 80.
US Food and Drug Administration website. Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate. www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg. Updated April 4, 2018. Accessed July 30, 2024.