BREATH-HOLDING SPELLS

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BREATH-HOLDING SPELLS

Is this your child's symptom?

  • A spell that involves holding the breath, then turning blue and passing out
  • Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child's doctor

Symptoms of a Breath-Holding Spell

  • An upsetting event happens right before the spell. A common trigger is being angry about parents setting limits (temper tantrums). Another is getting scared. Some spells are triggered by a sudden injury, such as falling down.
  • The child gives out 1 or 2 long cries
  • Then holds his breath until the lips and face become bluish
  • Then passes out and falls to the floor
  • Then often becomes stiff. May also have a few muscle jerks.
  • Normal breathing starts again in less than 1 minute. Becomes fully alert in less than 2 minutes.
  • Only happens when child is awake, never when asleep

Cause

  • A reflex response to strong feelings. This reflex allows some children to hold their breath long enough to pass out. Spells do not happen on purpose.
  • This happens in 5% of healthy children. Breath-holding spells can run in families.
  • Starts between 6 months and 2 years of age. Goes away by age 6.
  • Many young children hold their breath when upset, turn blue, but don't pass out. This is common and normal.
  • Frequent spells can happen in children who have anemia (low red blood count). This can happen if your child doesn't eat enough foods with iron. If your child is a picky eater, your doctor may order a blood test.

When to Call for Breath-holding Spell

Call 911 Now

  • Breathing stopped for more than 1 minute and hasn't returned
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Age less than 6 months old
  • Passed out more than 2 minutes by the clock and normal breathing now
  • First breath-holding spell
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Never been checked by a doctor for the spells
  • Spells happen without a reason (no triggers)
  • Muscle jerks during spell
  • Picky eater (especially for meats)
  • Lots of tantrums trigger the spells
  • Spells happen more than once a week
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Normal breath-holding spell
 

Care Advice for Breath-holding Spells

 

  1. What You Should Know About Breath-Holding Spells:
    • While breath-holding spells are scary for parents, they are harmless.
    • Normal breathing always returns on its own.
    • The spells don't lead to seizures (epilepsy).
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Lie Down:
    • During the spell, have your child lie down.
    • This will increase blood flow to the brain.
    • Remove any food from his mouth.
    • Do not hold your child upright. It decreases blood flow to the brain. This could cause some jerking of body muscles.
  3. Cold Washcloth to Forehead:
    • Put a cold, wet washcloth on your child's forehead. Keep it on until he or she starts breathing again.
    • That's the only care your child needs.
  4. Time the Length of Not Breathing:
    • These spells always seem to last longer than they really do.
    • Time the length of a few spells. Use a watch with a second hand.
    • Breathing almost always returns by 60 seconds.
    • It's hard to guess at the length of a spell and get it right.
  5. Stay Calm:
    • Don't start mouth-to-mouth breathing. Don't call 911.
    • Don't put anything in your child's mouth. It could cause choking or vomiting.
    • Never shake your baby. It can cause bleeding in the brain.
  6. Don't Give In After the Spell:
    • Some breath-holding spells start with a temper tantrum. Example: your child wanted something and you said "No." Don't give in to your child before or after the attack.
    • After spells, give your child a brief hug and go about your normal routine.
  7. What to Expect:
    • Spells happen from 1 or 2 times a day to 1 or 2 times a month.
    • Kids outgrow them by age 6.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Spells become more frequent
    • Spells change
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

 

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

AAP Feed run on: 9/22/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/22/2024