Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is the salt form of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid needed by body processes. Monosodium glutamate with the HS code of 29224220 is considered a safe (GRAS or generally considered as safe) food additive by the Food and Drug Administration.

Monosodium glutamate is identical chemically with the umami found in certain food sources. Several manufacturers market MSG because of its flavor enhancing characteristics. Vetsin, Ajinomoto, and Ac’cent are three of the most famous brands of MSG. Proponents reveal that monosodium glutamate side-effects result from the use of MSG.

Monosodium Glutamate Side Effects or Adverse Reactions

The Food and Drug Administration said that only a small percentage of people may suffer monosodium glutamate side-effects as a sign of hypersensitivity reaction to it. Also, the occurrence of these monosodium glutamate side-effects is a result of a substantial dose of glutamate. However, many people still believe that MSG is bad for the health because of previous anecdotal allegations. Alleged monosodium glutamate side-effects include:

MSG-sensitivity

People who are sensitive to glutamic acid may also be sensitive to MSG which contains free glutamic acid in the form of glutamate. The hypersensitivity reactions are usually felt by the person few minutes to hours after the ingestion. Allergic reactions usually include:

• Skin rash, hives
• Migraine headache
• Nausea
• Heart irregularities
• Runny Nose
• Shortness of Breath
• Asthma
• Sneezing
• Facial swelling

These monosodium glutamate side-effects are a result of stimulating the inflammatory mediators and chemicals to counteract the “allergen” in the form of glutamate. These result in the synthesis of histamine that is responsible for the hypersensitivity reactions. Management for these monosodium glutamate side-effects includes avoiding the intake of the allergen, which is the MSG. Treatment of allergic reactions include an antihistamine to reduce signs and symptoms. In patients developing heart irregularity such as palpitations, it is important to consult a physician to rule out any other cause of the palpitations.

Affectation of the excitatory nerve transmission in the peripheral nervous system

MSG is thought to increase the excitatory nerve impulse transmission in the peripheral nervous system as a result of binding with the glutamate receptors in the neurons. As a result, the person may experience numbness and tingling sensation as monosodium glutamate side-effects. These monosodium glutamate side-effects can be managed by avoiding use of excessive MSG in the food. It is said that MSG is safe provided that excessive amounts of MSG are not used. Nerve impulse transmission may also be improved through consumption of B-vitamins, which is abundant in most green leafy vegetables, legumes and meat.

Hypertension

The presence of sodium in MSG results in high blood pressure as monosodium glutamate side-effects. Sodium attracts water which increases the circulating blood volume in the body, increasing blood pressure. High blood pressure can be managed using prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Rest and proper exercise also improves the elasticity of the blood vessels.

Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease

Monosodium glutamate is considered a slow neurotoxin which affects the nerve impulse transmission in the brain after few years. This monosodium glutamate side-effect is not seen immediately, but gradually takes its toll on the brain. The symptoms may appear during old age where dementia may occur. Dementia and Alzheimer should be prevented by the avoidance of too much MSG and aluminum based cooking wares.

Obesity

MSG was linked to increasing incidence of obesity because of apparently enhanced taste of food. Just like sodium chloride, MSG also contains sodium which acts as a medium that retains water in the body leading to obesity and hypertension as monosodium glutamate side-effects. Obesity can be prevented and managed through proper diet, and exercise.

Stunted Growth

The role of MSG in the endocrine system has not been clear, but people who are against the use of MSG has reported evidence of growth retardation in children related to the free glutamic acid found in MSG. This monosodium glutamate side-effect may be supported by proper diet and food supplements in the form of Chlorella Growth Factor.

Behavior Disorders

MSG was also regarded as something that changes the nerve impulse transmission in the brain that causes changes in the behavior and mood as monosodium glutamate side-effects. MSG was also loosely linked to the occurrence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. Behavior changes can be properly managed through proper social interactions and presence of support systems.

Other monosodium glutamate side-effects

The other monosodium glutamate side-effects of MSG have not been closely linked to the usage of MSG alone. Due to this, the following monosodium glutamate side-effects were only subjectively reported:

• Rage reactions
• Depression
• Loss of Balance
• Light-headedness
• Disorientation
• Joint Pains
• Stiffness
• Blurred vision
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Vaginal Spotting
• Bladder pain
• Nocturia

Despite these monosodium glutamate side-effects, the FDA still categorize MSG as generally regarded as safe food enhancers. MSG has been used for almost more than 100 years and commonly seen in Asian cuisine. Despite this, the Asian population still remained to have lower risks for certain autoimmune, hereditary and neurologic diseases as commonly seen among the western population. MSG is still beneficial to enhance the flavor of dishes, but on a correct amount to avoid monosodium glutamate side-effects.

Flu Shot, just like any other vaccines, may produce side effects. The swine flu vaccine side effects may be mild, but may still cause considerable discomfort to the patient. Swine flu vaccine or H1N1 vaccine has been on the rise and look out during the swine flu pandemic in the year 2009. However, seasonal flu vaccine has already been popular before the swine flu vaccine.

Flu Shot is generally similar to seasonal flu vaccine in terms of production, the only difference is swine flu may have specific virus to prevent, which is the H1N1 virus. H1N1 virus is also similar to seasonal flu virus. In fact, seasonal flu vaccine also include H1N1 virus in the three strains that it prevents; however, it is not specifically geared towards the pandemic flu that happened in the past 3 years.

Although vaccine may result in Flu Shot Side Effects, the potential benefit of the vaccine greatly outweighs the risk of the side effects. In fact, the disease that swine flu may cause may be more serious and severe than the swine flu vaccine side effects.

Flu Shot Side Effects

In history, no deaths have been documented with the use of swine flu vaccines. In fact, up to 88% of patients who received swine flu vaccine have only experienced mild swine flu vaccine side effects. Mild side effects are commonly localized on the injection site. In addition, the remaining percentage only experienced moderate side effects. Moderate side effects may involve systemic symptoms. The following are the swine flu vaccine side effects that may develop following swine flu vaccination:

Mild Flu Shot Side Effects

1. Injection site pain

The most common mild side effect of H1N1 vaccination is pain. Definitely, the tissue trauma that the person gets from the vaccine syringe will cause mild localized pain. The pain is due to the sensitization of the pain receptors as a result of break in the skin and tissues. The pain usually subsides after hours or days of vaccination. Children may be given analgesics to manage the pain. Adults may be able to tolerate the discomforts.

2. Tenderness and swelling

The injection site may also feel tender and swollen after the vaccination. The break in the tissue integrity normally activates the inflammatory response leading to mild swelling. These swine flu vaccine side effects may be relieved using warm compress over the injection site.

3. Redness

The inflammatory response also may produce redness over the injection site. This is only mild and may not cause significant discomforts.

4. Bruising

Bruising may also develop as a swine flu vaccine side effect. This may result from injection from non-expert health care providers. Bruising may be managed by cold compress over the area following the vaccination. However, it is important not to place cold or warm compress immediately after the vaccination because it may affect the absorption of the vaccine.

Moderate Flu Shot Side Effects

1. Allergy

Swine flu vaccine may cause allergic reaction. This is especially true for people who are allergic to eggs because eggs are used in the manufacture of the vaccine. Prior to vaccination, health care providers usually take a medical history including history of allergy to eggs. Those who are allergic to eggs may not receive the vaccine.

2. Malaise

The weakened virus in the vaccine may cause similar, but milder flu reactions in patients who received the vaccine. Body malaise may subside after a day and it can be managed by bed rest.

3. Muscle pain

Muscle pain is the most common systemic swine flu vaccine side effect, which usually subsides after a day. Muscle pain may also be apparent in other medication side effects such as side effects of Simvastatin.

4. Fever

Fever may also be experienced just like any other vaccines. Fever may develop due to the presence of weakened virus in the vaccine, which the body detects as a possible infection; thereby producing fever as a normal reaction. Taking antipyretics usually relieve low grade fever.

As presented, swine flu vaccine does not lead to serious and severe swine flu vaccine side effects. Vaccines are important to our health because they tend to prevent illnesses that may lead to more serious side effects. In conclusion, receiving vaccines is generally safe and may be more beneficial than not receiving one.

Multaq with the generic name of dronedarone, is an antiarrythmic medication. It is an alternative treatment to amiodarone used for the management of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation in those who received electric sock treatment to maintain the normal heart rhythm or those who have returned to normal heart rhythm.

The mechanism of action of Multaq involves the inhibition of the potassium and sodium channels thereby reducing the pacemaker potential in the SA node leading to a normal heart rhythm.

Advantages of Multaq

Multaq is advantageous over amiodarone because it does not contain the iodine moieties in amiodarone that may lead to thyroid disease, pulmonary fibrosis and liver disease. It also contains methylsulfonamides, which reduces the neurotoxic effects of the drug by limiting its solubility in fats. It also has a relatively shorter half life of 24 hours than amiodarone with a half life of several weeks. Due to this, dronedarone dosing is much less complicated than the dosing of amiodarone.

Multaq Side effects

All medications have the potential for any side effects such as Creatine monohydrate side effects, despite being naturally occurring in the body. Multaq side effects may be traced on its action on the pacemaker of the heart. Multaq side effects may include:

1. Cardiovascular Multaq side effects

Worsening heart failure

Since Multaq works by affecting the sodium and potassium channels used for triggering the action potentials in the heart, it may lead to further aggravation of heart failure due to decreasing the myocardial contractility. It should not be used in patients suffering from certain types of heart failure as discussed earlier because of possibilities of deaths as Multaq side-effects.

Bradycardia

The inhibition of the potassium and sodium channels may also slow down the heart contractility leading to a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. It should not be given to patients with heart rate less than 60 breaths per minute to prevent serious bradycardia.

2. Renal Multaq side effects

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is a possible Multaq side effect due to inhibition of the potassium that goes into the blood from the cells. It is further aggravated by potassium depleting diuretics.

Increased serum creatinine

The serum creatinine is observed to increase by 10% within 5 days of Multaq initiation.

3. Gastrointestinal Multaq side effects

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea nod vomiting are also common Multaq side effects. This is due to initiation of treatment and it usually subsides after several weeks of therapy.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is also a possible Multaq side effect. Up to 9% of people taking Multaq may experience diarrhea. The serum potassium should be checked because diarrhea may worsen hypokalemia.

4. Hepatic Multaq side effects

Acute liver failure

Multaq has been observed to increase the incidence of hepatocellular liver injury. The serum bilirubin and liver enzymes are also increased as a result of hepatic damage.

Jaundice

Jaundice may be seen in patients who start to develop liver disease. Jaundice may involve yellowish skin, sclera and mucous membranes.

5. Dermatologic Multaq side effects

There may also be presence of rashes, pruritus, dermatitis and eczema as a result of Multaq therapy.

6. Respiratory Multaq side effects

Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis

These interstitial lung diseases are also possible side effects of Multaq use. These Multaq side effects should be monitored in patients taking the medications to prevent respiratory compromise.

Since it is possible for you to develop these Multaq side effects, it is better to inform your health care provider regarding any symptoms you may be experiencing to rule out possibilities of serious organ damage. Make sure to take Multaq as prescribed and never adjust the dose on your own.

Carbamazepine or CBZ is a mood stabilizing and anticonvulsant drug used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and epilepsy. It is available in different brand names such as Equetero, Epitol, Carbatrol and Tegretol.

Uses of Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is primarily used for the treatment of seizure disorders. It is also used in the treatment of neuropathic pain such as trigeminal neuralgia because of its ability to stabilize the pain signals in the brain thereby limiting pain sensations. Carbamazepine is used as a second line management for bipolar disorder. It may also be used in the management of schizophrenia as adjunct to antipsychotic medications.

Other uses of carbamazepine include as a management for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, phantom limb sensation, paroxysmal extreme pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuromyotonia, borderline personality disorder, intermittent explosive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Carbamazepine side effects

The carbamazepine side effects are due to the action of carbamazepine do the neurons. Carbamazepine stabilizes the inactivated sodium channels leading to reduced sodium channels that will be available for the formation of action potentials in the brain. The sodium channels are responsible for allowing the brain cells to generate action potentials. With the action of carbamazepine, the brain cells are less excitable.

Carbamazepine was also found to potentiate GABA receptors that increases the binding of Gamma Amino Butyric Acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, thereby reduces mania of clients. These mechanisms of carbamazepine are also responsible to the various carbamazepine side effects. Carbamazepine side effects include:

1. Drowsiness

The reduced excitability of the brain cells leads to slowing down of nerve impulses in the brain leading to drowsiness.

2. Dizziness and unsteadiness

The cerebellar functioning may also be slowed leading to problems in coordination as carbamazepine side effects.

3. Upset stomach

Nausea and vomiting may be experienced by patients taking carbamazepine as carbamazepine side effects. Stomach pains may also result, which may be related to gastric irritation.

4. Impairment in motor coordination

The nerve impulses to the motor cortex from the brain may also be limited leading to problems in motor abilities. This may be managed using vitamin B 12 to improve nerve impulse transmission in the peripheral areas of the body; however, watch out for possible B12 side effects.

5. Cardiac arrhythmias

The sodium channels in the myocardium may also be affected leading to affectation in the action potentials in the heart.

6. Vision problems

Patients taking carbamazepine may also experience double or blurring of vision as carbamazepine side-effects due to slowing of the transmission of nerve impulses from the optic nerve to the brain.

7. Hyponatremia

Reduction in the blood level of sodium is a rare carbamazepine side effect due to limitation of the influx of sodium from the cells into the blood.

8. Reduction in blood cells such as platelets

The reduction in platelets is a life-threatening carbamazepine side effect. Patients receiving carbamazepine require frequent blood tests during the first few months of therapy to monitor the complete blood count of patients. Easy bruising and bleeding may indicate low levels of platelets.

9. Hypothyroidism

Carbamazepine may also cause exacerbation of hypothyroidism as a carbamazepine side effect as a result of slowing of the regulation of the pituitary gland to the production of thyroid stimulating hormone due to slowed nerve impulse transmissions in the brain. Yearly thyroid function tests may be necessary to monitor the thyroid function.

10. Problems in hearing

The otic nerve may also be affected leading to disturbed perception of sounds. Patients often experience a lower tone than before. This carbamazepine side effect is usually relieved once carbamazepine is discontinued.

11. Cognitive anomalies

Problems in cognition may also be experienced because of slowing of the action potentials as manifested by slowing of EEG tracings.

12. Skin rashes

Presence of skin rashes may be a sign of hypersensitivity reaction to carbamazepine or as an initial sign of Steven Johnson syndrome, a skin condition resulting in intake of medications.

Despite the vast carbamazepine side effects, it is still prescribed to patients needing it. People should ensure precaution and adhere to the prescription of the physician in order to achieve desired results as well as preventing carbamazepine side effects. Regular monitoring of patients is also essential in order to identify serious carbamazepine side effects.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a condition affecting dogs or canines. It affects the respiratory system causing inflammation and formation of respiratory secretions. The condition is caused by both viruses and bacteria. Viral causes include canine adenovirus, canine distemper, canine parainfluenza, Orthomyxoviridae or canine respiratory coronavirus. Bacteria causes include Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The condition is known as kennel cough because of its rapid transmission in dogs when they live in kennels. However, kennel cough is still contagious among dogs even when they are not contained in kennels.

The transmission of kennel cough is through airborne and droplet transmission when canines cough or sneeze. Direct contact may also be possible through infected areas such as toys, ground and sidewalks.

Kennel cough is highly contagious. However, it is considered a mild to moderate disease when it affects dogs, and is considered similar to influenza as occurs in humans. It affects the upper respiratory tract of canines. Other animals such as rabbits, cats, and birds may also suffer from similar conditions.

Kennel cough is often a symptom of other underlying diseases such as periodontal disease, heart conditions, parasites, heart worm, pneumonia, allergies and throat growths in dogs.

Kennel Cough Symptoms & Signs

Some typical symptoms are:

• Coughing – This is the classic symptom of kennel cough. Some dogs also exhibit the expectoration of secretions especially when it is caused by a bacterial infection. Coughing is the mechanism of the body to remove pathogens inside the respiratory tract and also a sign of irritation of the throat.
• Sneezing – Frequent sneezing may also be observed. Like coughing, it is also a protective mechanism of the respiratory tract to expel infection from the lungs.
• Retching or gagging – Severe coughing may lead to the stimulation of the gag reflex, which may be voluntarily done by dogs to free their throat from irritation.
• Vomiting – Dogs also exhibit vomiting, which may include intense vomiting of all foods taken in. Dogs may experience loss of appetite because of frequent vomiting.
• Fever – This may be a sign of infection. Some dogs may exhibit this symptom and some may not. Bacterial infection commonly causes a high grade fever in dogs.
• Snoring – Respiratory affectation also leads to difficulty in breathing. This can be seen by the dog always assuming a sniffing position in order to inhale more air.

These symptoms are the basis for the diagnosis of the condition. A complete exposure history may also be needed. These symptoms usually arise within two to three days after exposure to an infected canine.

How long does Kennel Cough Last?

Kennel cough usually lasts from one to two weeks. Presence of kennel cough for more than 3 to 4 weeks is best dealt with by taking the pet to an animal hospital for a series of tests, and for proper treatment because this may indicate a more serious condition. The disease can also have a re-break when the dog becomes well and asymptomatic. However, when the immune system of the dog is lowered such as in the presence of stress, the symptoms usually reoccur.

What does Kennel Cough Sound like?

Kennel cough usually sounds like a dry, harsh, hacking cough. Persistent hacking can damage the trachea of dogs when it occurs. Persistent hacking can also cause the dog to vomit.

Treatment for Kennel Cough

Treatment for kennel cough involves the eradication of the disease as well as relieving the signs and symptoms. Typical treatments include:

• Antibiotics – Kennel cough caused by bacterial infection such as Bordetella is treated with antibiotics to kill the microorganism. Antibiotics may take different forms. Oral tablets can be given to adult canines and liquid antibiotics may be given to puppies. The dose of the antibiotic therapy depends on the weight, age and severity of the symptoms.
• Cough Suppressants – Kennel cough that is dry and non-productive may also be treated with cough suppressants to relive the throat irritation. This also prevents dogs from being disturbed by coughing during sleeping. Cough suppressants are usually over the counter, but it is better to consult a veterinarian for proper dosage and timing. Prolonged cough suppressant use should be avoided because it may lead to non-observance of more serious conditions involving the respiratory system.
• Mucolytic and expectorants – Just like humans, dogs also need mucolytic and expectorants to clear the airways in cases of productive coughs. Robitussin is an example of this type of medication that can be given to dogs.
• Bronchodilators – Bronchodilators are medications that dilate the airways of dogs and prevent spasms of the airway. An example of this drug is terbutaline sulfate. Bronchodilators help canines breathe easier by dilating the airways.
• Vitamin supplementation – Vitamins help dogs recover from kennel cough and also boost their immune system to prevent other infections. Vitamin C can be used, administering 500mg, two to three times a day.

Home remedies for Kennel Cough

These include:

• Echinacea – Echinacea (also known as purple coneflower) helps in strengthening the immune system of dogs
• Honey – Giving one to two teaspoons of honey per day helps soothe the dog’s throat.
• Use of humidifiers – Keeping the air moist also helps dogs breathe easier. You can place a humidifier in areas where the dog stays.
• Garlic pills – A 500mg garlic pill a day helps dogs strengthen their immune system.
• Chicken soup – Chicken soup is also beneficial for the relief of throat irritation in dogs.

Kennel Cough Vaccine

Vaccination against kennel cough is also available to prevent the condition from occurring. There are vaccines against specific viruses and bacteria that can be administered through injections or inhalation. Vaccine side-effects include pain at the injection point as well as triggering of short-term coughing. Vaccines are most often recommended for high risk dogs such as those going to other places or staying in doggy day care. Vaccination cost is usually affordable, but it requires more than one dose.

Kennel Cough vaccination in dogs

Image Source – basc.org.uk

Is Kennel Cough Contagious?

Kennel cough is very contagious in canines, even after the symptoms have disappeared. However, it usually does not spread to humans.