What causes breath-holding spells in children?

Cyanotic breath-holding spells are usually caused by anger or frustration. If the child’s face turns white, it’s called pallid breath-holding spell. The child may cry a little bit or not at all before having the spell. Pallid breath-holding spells are usually caused by the child being startled or in pain.

Why does my baby keep holding his breath?

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.

Can breath-holding spells cause brain damage?

Breath-holding spells are not dangerous. They do not lead to epilepsy or brain damage. Breath-holding spells usually begin when children are between 6 months and 2 years old.

Are breath-holding spells fatal?

They are most common from 1 to 3 years of age. Some children have them every day, and some have them only once in a while. Breath-holding spells are usually not serious and don’t cause lasting damage. With time, they go away on their own.

How do you treat breath-holding spells?

A doctor may recommend iron supplements for a child who has cyanotic breath-holding spells, even when the child does not have iron-deficiency anemia, and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (if the child has it).

Is it normal for babies to stop breathing for a few seconds?

Some babies can take a pause in their breathing for up to 10 seconds or a few seconds longer. Their next few breaths may be fast and shallow. Then they breathe steadily again. This is called periodic breathing.

What causes breath-holding spells?

Breath holding is usually involuntary, and is caused by a slowing of the heart rate or changes in your child’s usual breathing patterns. Sometimes breath-holding spells are brought on by strong emotions such as anger, fear, pain or frustration.

How common is breath-holding spells?

Up to 5% of children experience breath-holding spells. They can occur as early as 6 months and may continue until a child is 6 years old. The peak age for breath-holding spell is 2 years. Breath-holding spells are a reflex, that is the body’s automatic response to distress.

Is it normal for a baby to stop breathing for a few seconds while sleeping?

Is it normal for babies to have irregular breathing?

Newborns often have irregular breathing patterns that concern new parents. They can breathe fast, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. Newborns’ breathing looks and sounds different from adults because: they breathe more through their nostrils than their mouth.

When does a child have a breath holding spell?

Breath-holding spells usually occur when a young child is angry, frustrated, in pain, or afraid. But the spell is a reflex. Children don’t have breath-holding spells on purpose. There are two types of breath-holding spells:

Is it dangerous for kids to hold their breath?

Breath-holding spells can be terrifying for parents because kids often hold their breath until they pass out. But these spells aren’t intentional — they’re an involuntary reflex, which means kids have no control over them. Although they’re upsetting to watch, breath-holding spells aren’t harmful and pose no serious health risks.

What to do when a toddler is having a breath holding episode?

Make sure the child’s mouth is clear, removing any food or objects. Sometimes blowing hard on the child’s face can help prevent an episode or bring it to an early end. Placing a cold, wet cloth on a child’s face (while being careful not to obstruct the airway) can sometimes interrupt or shorten an episode.

When is the pediatrics office in Brevard open?

Pediatrics in Brevard is nationally recognized as a National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home. Saturday: Contact any of the Pediatrics in Brevard offices as early as 8am to schedule an appointment in Melbourne on Saturday.