Beat Mycoplasma: Winter Tips for PANDAS and PANS

If you’re living with PANDAS or PANS in your household, you already know that infections can bring much more than just coughs and sniffles. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is currently spreading through schools, can be particularly tricky. While it’s known as “walking pneumonia” because of its mild respiratory symptoms, for children with PANDAS or PANS, it can trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety, irritability, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, or even tics.

So, how can you navigate these winter months when infections are on the rise? The good news is that there are effective, evidence-based strategies you can take to reduce the risk of infection and manage things if your child does get sick. Let’s explore some practical ways to keep their immune system balanced.

Prevention: Keeping the Immune System Steady and Focused

For children with PANDAS or PANS, it’s all about keeping their immune system well-regulated, not overstimulated. This means providing the right support to help it respond to infections without triggering unwanted flares. Here’s how you can help protect your child as we head into the winter months:

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Powerful Antioxidant Support

NAC is a key supplement for respiratory health. It’s a precursor to glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, and research shows it can help prevent respiratory infections and reduce inflammation. A daily dose of 500-1000 mg can help maintain immune balance and ensure your child’s body is ready to fight infections like Mycoplasma.

Vitamin D: Winter’s Essential Immune Helper

Vitamin D is critical for immune health, especially in the darker winter months when sunlight is limited. Research published in The BMJ shows that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 42%. For children with PANDAS or PANS, a daily dose of 1000-2000 IU can help protect their immune system and keep it functioning optimally.

Zinc: Supporting a Healthy Immune Response

Zinc is essential for regulating immune responses, particularly for children prone to neuropsychiatric flares. Studies show that zinc can shorten the duration of respiratory infections. A daily dose of 10-20 mg is a good target for keeping your child’s immune system steady.

Camu Camu: A Natural Source of Vitamin C

Camu camu berries are packed with natural vitamin C. Research suggests that food-based vitamin C is more easily absorbed than synthetic forms, making camu camu an excellent choice for supporting your child’s immune resilience. Add camu camu powder to smoothies or meals to ensure your child gets a steady supply of this immune-supporting nutrient.

Microimmunotherapy (MIT): Gentle Regulation

MIT is a game-changer for kids prone to neuropsychiatric flares. Rather than overstimulating the immune system, MIT helps keep everything in balance, making sure your child’s immune system responds appropriately when faced with infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae without tipping into a flare. Discuss this with your Brainstorm Health practitioner.

Daily Habits That Can Make a Big Difference

Beyond supplements, small daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of infections:

Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is crucial for immune function. Research published in Nature Reviews Immunology shows that even one night of poor sleep can reduce immune function by up to 70%. Ensuring your child gets 9-11 hours of sleep each night will help keep their immune system in good shape to fend off infections. My sleep article, as published in the Autism Eye magazine, is full of top tips.

Regular Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective defences against infections. Encouraging your child to wash their hands regularly – especially before meals and after school – can significantly reduce the chance of bringing Mycoplasma or other bugs into your home.

Use a Humidifier

A humidifier can help keep airways moist and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Studies suggest that maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40-60% helps prevent infections from taking hold.

Managing an Infection: What to Do If Mycoplasma Strikes

Even with the best prevention strategies, infections can still happen. Here’s what you can do if your child contracts Mycoplasma:

NAC: Clearing Mucus and Reducing Inflammation

During an infection, NAC helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the lungs, which provides relief from respiratory symptoms. Increasing the dose to 1000-2000 mg per day during an infection can help manage symptoms and speed up recovery.

Quercetin: Natural Anti-inflammatory

Quercetin is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory with antiviral properties. For children with PANDAS or PANS, quercetin can help manage inflammation and reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms. A dose of 500 mg twice daily can help keep symptoms under control.

Olive Leaf Extract: Antibacterial Support

Olive leaf extract is known for its antibacterial properties. Research shows that it’s effective in fighting bacterial infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. A daily dose of 500-1000 mg can help your child’s immune system fight the infection while maintaining balance.

Mullein: Easing Respiratory Symptoms

Mullein has been traditionally used for respiratory health, and modern studies confirm its benefits. It helps soothe inflamed airways and clear mucus, making it an excellent choice for children with respiratory infections. Mullein can be taken as a tea or tincture to provide relief.

Final Thoughts

Winter can be a stressful time for parents managing PANDAS or PANS, but with these preventative strategies and a plan in place, you can reduce the risk of infections and manage them effectively when they arise. By focusing on balance – both in immune support and daily routines – you can help your child stay resilient and healthy this season.

If you have any questions or need more personalised advice, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to support you and your family through the winter months.

IMPORTANT

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with medical doctors or qualified functional medicine practitioners to address specific health concerns and obtain personalised guidance tailored to individual needs. Never add any supplements to your plan until it has been assessed and approved by your medical doctor or a suitable qualified practitioner who is familiar with your health history. 

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References

Waites KB, Talkington DF. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and its role as a human pathogen. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2004;17(4):697-728.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Clinical Overview of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection. CDC Website. 2024.

Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 2017;356

Besedovsky L, Lange T, Born J. Sleep and immune function. Nature Reviews Immunology. 2012;12(2):86-95.

Somerville V, Moore JN, Braakhuis AJ. The Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Upper Respiratory Illness in High School Athletes: A Randomized Control Trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):358.

Khan AU, Gilani AH. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Verbascum thapsus (mullein) in respiratory disorders. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2009;126(2):333-339.