What is breath holding spells?

A breath holding spell is when a child holds their breath, usually after being angry, frustrated, startled, or in pain. Sometimes the breath holding leads to the child passing out. It can be frightening to watch a breath-holding spell, but they aren’t harmful and usually last less than a minute.

What is a breath holding episode?

A breath-holding spell is an episode in which the child involuntarily stops breathing and loses consciousness for a short period immediately after a frightening or emotionally upsetting event or a painful experience. Breath-holding spells usually are triggered by physically painful or emotionally upsetting events.

What is breath holding in babies?

Breath-holding is when a baby or child stops breathing for up to 1 minute and may faint. It can happen when a child is frightened, upset, angry, or has a sudden shock or pain. It’s usually harmless but can be scary for parents, particularly when it happens for the first time.

What are the 2 types of breath holding syncope events?

Breath holding spells have been reported to present to medical attention as an ALTE. These are typically divided into two types: cyanotic and pallid. In cyanotic breath holding spells, there is usually an emotional trigger such as anger or frustration.

Why do babies hold breath when crying?

Breath-holding spells typically occur when a child begins crying, either because of a fall or a temper tantrum. Then the child involuntarily holds his or her breath and faints.

Why do newborn babies hold their breath?

Till birth babies survive in the amniotic fluid. They hold their breath inside the womb. They do not need to breathe inside the womb because they receive oxygen from the mother through the umbilical code. This experience helps the babies to hold their breath underwater as a reflex action. This is called dive reflex.

What is breath holding syndrome?

Breath-holding spells (BHS) are the occurrence of episodic apnea in children, possibly associated with loss of consciousness, and changes in postural tone. Breath-holding spells occur in approximately 5% of the population with equal distribution between males and females.

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