What is a
breath-holding spell?
A breath-holding spell is when your child holds his
breath when he is suddenly injured, frustrated, angry, or frightened.
Breath-holding spells begin between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.
They occur only while the child is awake.
During a breath-holding spell:
- Your child may make 1 or 2 cries and then hold his
breath until he becomes blue around the lips and passes out.
- Your child may stiffen and may have a few twitches
or muscle jerks.
- Your child will breathe normally again and become
fully alert in less than 1 minute.
What is the cause?
An abnormal reflex allows 5% of normal children to
hold their breath long enough to pass out. Most children do not do
this deliberately.
Holding the breath (when frustrated) and becoming
bluish without passing out is such a common reaction in young infants
that it is not considered abnormal.
How long does it last?
Breath-holding spells usually occur from 1 or 2 times
a day to 1 or 2 times a month. Children usually stop having
breath-holding spells by the time they are 4 or 5 years old.
Breath-holding spells are not dangerous, and they
don't lead to epilepsy or brain damage.
How can I take care of
my child?
- Treatment during attacks
of breath-holding
These attacks are harmless and always stop by
themselves. Time the length of a few attacks, using a watch with a
second hand.
During an attack, do not hold your child upright.
Instead, he should lie flat. This position will increase blood flow
to the brain and may prevent some of the muscle jerking. Put a cold
wet washcloth on your child's forehead until he starts breathing
again. Don't start resuscitation or call a rescue squad--it's not
necessary. Also, don't put anything in your child's mouth because it
could make him choke or vomit.
- Treatment after attacks of
breath-holding
Give your child a brief hug and go about your
business. A relaxed attitude is best. If you are frightened, don't
let your child know it. If your child had a temper tantrum because
he wanted his way, don't give in to him after the attack.
- Prevention of injuries
The main injury risk of a breath-holding spell is a
head injury. If your child starts to have an attack while standing
near a hard surface, go to him quickly and help lower him to the
floor.
What can I do to help
prevent breath-holding spells?
Most attacks from falling down or a sudden fright
can't be prevented. Neither can most attacks that are triggered by
anger. However, some children can be distracted from their
breath-holding if you intervene before they become blue. Tell your
child to come to you for a hug or to look at something interesting.
Ask him if he wants a drink of juice.
If your child is having attacks every day, he probably
has learned to trigger some of the attacks himself. This can happen
when parents run to the child and pick him up every time he starts to
cry, or when they give him his way as soon as the attack is over.
Avoid these responses. Frequent attacks can also be caused by anemia.
If your child has a poor iron intake (eats few meats), ask your health
care provider to check your child for anemia.
When should I call my
child's health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
- More than one spell occurs each week.
- The attacks change.
- You have other concerns or questions.
Caution: Call a
rescue squad (911) if your child has a different kind of attack during
which he stops breathing for more than 1 minute.
