MSG symptom complex or “Chinese restaurant syndrome (CRS)” is a set of symptoms that some people have after eating food with the additive monosodium glutamate (MSG).
MSG is commonly used in food prepared in Chinese restaurants.
Pathophysiology
MSG toxicity leads to different disorders | Niaz, K., Zaplatic, E., & Spoor, J. (2018). Extensive use of monosodium glutamate: A threat to public health? EXCLI Journal, 17, 273–278. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2018-1092
Clinical features
Sensitive individuals may become symptomatic within 20 minutes.
Headache
Giddiness
Sweating
Abdominal pain
Urticaria
Complication
Angioedema (life-threatening)
May be delayed up to 8–16 h after the consumption of MSG and it may persist for 24 h
On arrival, swelling of the uvula and surrounding tissues, almost closing the entry to the pharynx, touching the base of floor of the mouth. | Bawaskar, H. S., Bawaskar, P. H., & Bawaskar, P. H. (2017). Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine : Peer-Reviewed, Official Publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, 21(1), 49–50. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-5229.198327
Complete recovery. | Bawaskar, H. S., Bawaskar, P. H., & Bawaskar, P. H. (2017). Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine : Peer-Reviewed, Official Publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, 21(1), 49–50. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-5229.198327
