Respiratory ‘bug’ soup and ‘walking’ pneumonia

Recent reports suggest that Australia is experiencing a spike in respiratory infections with cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae circulating in the community, particularly among children. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (mycoplasma) is a bacterium which can cause respiratory (chest) infections. It commonly causes mild respiratory infections and generally resolves without serious complications. It is sometimes called ‘walking’ pneumonia because the patient may appear well. In some cases it can lead to severe pneumonia (lung infection) needing admission to hospital. Like most respiratory pathogens, infection usually occurs during the winter months but can happen year-round. An increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae circulation usually occurs every three to seven years as population immunity wanes. 

Mycoplasma spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can occur in people of any age but is most common in school-aged children and young adults. Typical symptoms may develop over one to three weeks and include fever, dry cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, malaise and, in some cases, shortness of breath. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners President Dr Nicole Higgins recently told the media: “We’ve got a respiratory bug soup at the moment, it’s multiple bugs that are impacting especially our children,” she said. “The general rule of thumb is if your child’s not getting better, get them checked out [for mycoplasma].” Mycoplasma infection is diagnosed by a nose and throat swab. Sometimes a doctor may also do a blood test or a chest x-ray to check for lung infection (pneumonia). 

Mycoplasma bacteria lack a cell wall and are a very important stealth pathogen which can make them drug resistant. There is a strong association between this bacteria and chronic fatigue syndrome, and other fatigue-based conditions, so it is imperative that successful eradication of the condition is ensured. This involves rest, sleep and recuperation, inhalations and chest rubs, sufficient dietary support to support the immune response and control symptoms, and herbal prescriptions to eradicate infection and restore respiratory function. Herbal medicine can support the immune system, reduce inflammation, reduce excessive secretions and alleviate the cough. Herbal formulas could include immunomodulating herbs such as astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and olive leaves (Olea europaea), anti-inflammatory herbs such as green tea (Camellia sinensis) and respiratory herbs such as elecampane (Inula helenium), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and grindelia (Grindelia robusta). 

References

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. NSW Government NSW Health. State of New South Wales NSW Ministry of Health c 2023. (updated 23 May 2024; accessed 2 Aug 2024). Available from https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mycoplasma-pneumoniae.aspx

McAnulty J. Legionella and Mycoplasma Pneumonia. NSW Ministry of Health (updated 3 Jan 2024; accessed 2 Aug 2024). Available from https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Documents/Legionella-and-Mycoplasma-Pneumonia-GP-alert_3January2024.pdf

Raspberry leaf has long been pigeon holedas a women’s uterine tonic and while it does make childbirtheasier it is also known for its ability to address inflammation in the mouth and throat, for allergies andinfluenza with copious free discharge of clear mucous and for diarrhoea. Raspberry leaftones the mucousmembranes throughout the body and soothes the kidneys and urinary tract.

Raspberry’s astringent and stimulating properties help to strengthen and tone the uterine and pelvicmuscles, while the relaxing and soothing properties relax theuterus at the same time. This acts to reducethe pain of uterine contractions during childbirth and also make the contractions more effective andproductive, thereby easing and shortening the duration of the birth and reducing the risk ofhaemorrhage. Itcan also aid with production and maintenance of breastmilk, as an adjunctive treatmentfor menorrhagia, and as a general and uterine tonic following surgery to the uterus, for example, theremoval of fibroids, termination of pregnancy or a curette.

In our latest naturopathic guide on uterine fibroids, raspberry extract is one of the herbs listed forconsideration to include in treatment plans.Raspberry leaf can be beneficial for uterine fibroids as it canhelp soothe the pelvic pain anddecrease the heaviness of the periods associated withfibroids

References

de la Forêt R. Raspberry monograph. [Internet] Herb Mentor:Learning Herbs c2020[accessed Jul 15 2020.] Available fromhttps://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/raspberry/

Hechtman L. Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Elsevier Australia:Chatswood.2020. p. 439

HEC The Naturopath's Guide to Uterine Fibroids