Dr. Jed Warns of SUNDS Risks and Clarifies Glutinous Rice Myths

Khaosod•Society•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Dr. Jed clarifies that Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome (SUNDS) is caused by heart electrical system abnormalities, not directly by eating glutinous rice.

•Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome (SUNDS) is often associated with Brugada syndrome, a disorder of the heart's electrical system.
•The condition frequently affects healthy men aged 20–49, with many cases originating from Northeast Thailand.
•Glutinous rice is not a direct cause of Brugada syndrome, though unbalanced diets and late-night high-carbohydrate meals may be triggering factors.

Overview

•Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome (SUNDS) involves sudden death during the night, often in healthy young or middle-aged men.
•Brugada syndrome causes electrical malfunctions in heart cells, specifically the sodium channels, which can lead to ventricular fibrillation.
•Research on SUNDS victims in Thailand shows deaths often occur between midnight and 6:00 AM, most frequently around 2:00 AM.
•Historical beliefs in Northeast Thailand attributed these deaths to the 'Widow's Ghost' (Phi Mae Mai) due to a lack of medical explanations.
•Dr. Jed states that while glutinous rice is not a direct cause, a lack of dietary variety and potassium deficiency in the past may have been triggers.
•Triggers for Brugada syndrome include high fever, heavy alcohol consumption before bed, very large late-night meals, and certain medications.
•Dr. Jed advises individuals with a family history of sudden death or symptoms like unexplained fainting and heart palpitations to consult a physician for an ECG.

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Key Entities

Person

Dr. Jed Bunyavongvirot(นพ.เจษฎ์ บุณยวงศ์วิโรจน์)

Deputy Director of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and a medical expert providing knowledge on SUNDS.

Organization

Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital(โรงพยาบาลมหาราชนครราชสีมา)ℹ️

The medical institution where Dr. Jed Bunyavongvirot serves as Deputy Director.

Place

Singapore(สิงคโปร์)ℹ️

Country where Thai construction workers experienced sudden deaths while sleeping.