Ataki zatrzymania oddechu
Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Ataki zatrzymania oddechu (breath-holding spells) to łagodne, neurorozwojowe zaburzenie występujące u około 5% dzieci w wieku 6 miesięcy do 6 lat, ze szczytem między 12 a 24 miesiącem życia. Charakteryzują się mimowolnym, krótkotrwałym bezdechem wywołanym silnym bodźcem emocjonalnym lub fizycznym (ból, strach, gniew), prowadzącym do cyjanotycznej lub bladej zmiany koloru skóry oraz ewentualnej utraty przytomności. Patofizjologia obejmuje dysfunkcję autonomicznego układu nerwowego, z zaburzeniem równowagi między układem przywspółczulnym a współczulnym, co może skutkować krótkotrwałą hipoksją mózgową. W około 20-33% przypadków obserwuje się dodatni wywiad rodzinny. Suplementacja żelaza jest wskazana u dzieci z niedokrwistością z niedoboru żelaza, gdyż może zmniejszyć częstość epizodów. Diagnostyka opiera się na szczegółowym wywiadzie, badaniu neurologicznym, EKG oraz ocenie parametrów gospodarki żelazowej, z wykluczeniem napadów padaczkowych i zaburzeń kardiologicznych.

Ataki zatrzymania oddechu u niemowląt i dzieci – przegląd

Ataki zatrzymania oddechu (breath-holding spells) są powszechnym, łagodnym zjawiskiem neurologicznym występującym u około 5% zdrowych dzieci. Charakteryzują się krótkotrwałym, mimowolnym zatrzymaniem oddechu, które może prowadzić do utraty przytomności. Występują najczęściej u dzieci w wieku od 6 miesięcy do 6 lat, ze szczytem zachorowalności przypadającym między 12 a 24 miesiącem życia.123

Ataki zatrzymania oddechu są reakcją odruchową organizmu na nagły bodziec – najczęściej ból, strach, gniew lub frustrację. Dziecko nie zatrzymuje oddechu celowo, jest to niekontrolowana reakcja autonomicznego układu nerwowego. Mimo że objawy mogą wyglądać dramatycznie i wywoływać ogromny niepokój u rodziców, epizody te nie powodują uszkodzenia mózgu ani innych długotrwałych skutków zdrowotnych.45

Większość dzieci wyrasta z ataków zatrzymania oddechu samoistnie, zazwyczaj przed ukończeniem 6 roku życia, a częstość występowania epizodów stopniowo maleje z wiekiem. W badaniach epidemiologicznych wykazano, że około 20-33% dzieci z atakami zatrzymania oddechu ma dodatni wywiad rodzinny w kierunku tego zaburzenia.67

Patofizjologia ataków zatrzymania oddechu

Patofizjologia ataków zatrzymania oddechu nie jest w pełni poznana, jednak badania sugerują, że podstawową rolę odgrywa nieprawidłowa odpowiedź układu autonomicznego na silne bodźce emocjonalne lub fizyczne. Uważa się, że ataki są wynikiem zaburzenia interakcji między układem przywspółczulnym a współczulnym, co prowadzi do krótkotrwałego zmniejszenia przepływu mózgowego lub hipoksji.89

W niektórych przypadkach zaobserwowano korelację między atakami zatrzymania oddechu a niedoborem żelaza i niedokrwistością. Badania wykazały, że suplementacja żelaza może zmniejszyć częstość ataków u dzieci z niedokrwistością z niedoboru żelaza, co sugeruje potencjalny mechanizm patofizjologiczny związany z transportem tlenu i funkcją układu nerwowego.1011

Typy ataków zatrzymania oddechu

Wyróżnia się dwa główne typy ataków zatrzymania oddechu: cyjanotyczne i blade. Każdy z nich ma charakterystyczne cechy kliniczne, choć mechanizm leżący u podstaw jest podobny.1213

Ataki cyjanotyczne

Ataki cyjanotyczne (określane również jako „niebieskie”) są najczęstszym typem, stanowiącym ponad połowę wszystkich przypadków. Charakteryzują się następującym przebiegiem:14

  • Są zwykle poprzedzone płaczem lub szlochaniem w odpowiedzi na frustrację, gniew lub strach
  • Dziecko wykonuje głęboki wdech, a następnie zatrzymuje oddech
  • Następuje zasinienie (cyjanoza) twarzy i ciała
  • Może dojść do utraty przytomności
  • Po ustąpieniu ataku dziecko szybko wraca do normalnego stanu

1516

Ataki blade

Ataki blade (określane również jako „białe”) występują rzadziej i mają nieco inny przebieg:17

  • Są najczęściej wywoływane przez nagły ból lub przestrach
  • Dziecko nie płacze intensywnie przed atakiem
  • Twarz i ciało stają się blade (nie sinieją)
  • Szybciej dochodzi do utraty przytomności
  • Prawdopodobnie związane są z nadmierną stymulacją nerwu błędnego, co prowadzi do spadku częstości akcji serca i zmniejszenia przepływu mózgowego

1819

Objawy kliniczne ataków zatrzymania oddechu

Typowy przebieg ataku zatrzymania oddechu obejmuje kilka charakterystycznych faz:2021

  1. Faza wstępna: Dziecko doświadcza silnego bodźca emocjonalnego lub fizycznego (ból, przestrach, frustracja, gniew)
  2. Początek ataku: Zwykle dziecko wydaje jeden lub dwa długie płacze, po czym zatrzymuje oddech
  3. Faza bezdechu: Dziecko przestaje oddychać, twarz staje się sina (w atakach cyjanotycznych) lub blada (w atakach bladych)
  4. Utrata przytomności: W niektórych przypadkach dochodzi do krótkotrwałej utraty przytomności
  5. Powrót do normy: Samoistny powrót oddechu, zazwyczaj w ciągu 60 sekund, po czym dziecko szybko odzyskuje pełną świadomość

2223

W rzadkich przypadkach mogą wystąpić drgawki kloniczne, które są konsekwencją krótkotrwałej hipoksji mózgu. Są one krótkotrwałe i ustępują samoistnie wraz z powrotem prawidłowego oddychania.2425

Diagnostyka ataków zatrzymania oddechu

Rozpoznanie ataków zatrzymania oddechu opiera się głównie na wywiadzie klinicznym i obserwacji charakterystycznego przebiegu epizodów. Kluczowe znaczenie ma wykluczenie innych stanów, które mogą naśladować ataki zatrzymania oddechu, takich jak napady padaczkowe czy zaburzenia kardiologiczne.2627

W ramach podstawowej diagnostyki zaleca się:2829

  • Dokładny wywiad dotyczący przebiegu epizodów, czynników wyzwalających, czasu trwania i objawów towarzyszących
  • Badanie przedmiotowe z oceną neurologiczną
  • Elektrokardiogram (EKG) w celu wykluczenia zaburzeń rytmu serca
  • Badanie morfologii krwi z oznaczeniem parametrów gospodarki żelazowej w celu wykrycia ewentualnej niedokrwistości z niedoboru żelaza

3031

W przypadku nietypowego przebiegu epizodów lub wątpliwości diagnostycznych mogą być konieczne dodatkowe badania:32

  • Elektroencefalogram (EEG) w celu wykluczenia padaczki
  • Testy kardiologiczne (echo serca, Holter EKG) w przypadku podejrzenia zaburzeń kardiologicznych
  • Konsultacja neurologiczna

33

Diagnostyka różnicowa

W diagnostyce różnicowej ataków zatrzymania oddechu należy uwzględnić:3435

  • Napady padaczkowe – w przeciwieństwie do ataków zatrzymania oddechu, napady padaczkowe często nie mają wyraźnego czynnika wyzwalającego, mogą wystąpić podczas snu, charakteryzują się dłuższym czasem trwania fazy drgawkowej i dłuższym okresem splątania po napadzie
  • Zaburzenia rytmu serca – mogą prowadzić do omdleń bez wyraźnego związku z emocjami
  • Refleks kaszlowy – charakterystyczne napady kaszlu prowadzące do zasinienia
  • Aspiracja ciała obcego – nagły początek duszności bez związku z emocjami

36

Postępowanie w atakach zatrzymania oddechu

Postępowanie w przypadku ataków zatrzymania oddechu obejmuje zarówno działania podczas ataku, jak i długoterminowe podejście do problemu.3738

Postępowanie podczas ataku

W trakcie ataku zatrzymania oddechu zaleca się następujące działania:3940

  • Zachować spokój – panika opiekuna może nasilić stres dziecka
  • Ułożyć dziecko na boku w pozycji bezpiecznej, na płaskiej powierzchni
  • Upewnić się, że w jamie ustnej nie ma ciał obcych
  • Nie wkładać niczego do ust dziecka – może to spowodować zadławienie
  • Nie podnosić dziecka do pozycji pionowej – może to zmniejszyć przepływ krwi do mózgu
  • Nie rozpoczynać sztucznego oddychania – oddech powróci samoistnie
  • Można położyć zimny, wilgotny kompres na czoło dziecka
  • Monitorować czas trwania ataku – typowo nie przekracza 60 sekund

4142

Po ustąpieniu ataku:4344

  • Zachować się normalnie, nie okazywać nadmiernego niepokoju
  • Można przytulić dziecko, ale szybko wrócić do normalnej aktywności
  • Nie „nagradzać” dziecka po ataku nadmierną uwagą lub ustępstwami

4546

Postępowanie długoterminowe

Długoterminowe postępowanie w przypadku ataków zatrzymania oddechu skupia się na:4748

  • Edukacji rodziców i opiekunów na temat natury ataków, ich łagodnego przebiegu i dobrego rokowania
  • Identyfikacji i unikaniu czynników wyzwalających, jeśli jest to możliwe, bez nadmiernego ograniczania normalnej aktywności dziecka
  • Zapewnieniu dziecku odpoczynku i poczucia bezpieczeństwa
  • Wsparciu psychologicznym dla rodziców, którzy mogą doświadczać znacznego stresu związanego z atakami
  • Leczeniu niedokrwistości z niedoboru żelaza, jeśli zostanie zdiagnozowana

4950

W większości przypadków nie jest konieczne stosowanie farmakoterapii. W rzadkich, ciężkich przypadkach, gdy ataki są bardzo częste i znacząco wpływają na jakość życia, lekarz może rozważyć interwencję farmakologiczną, jednak nie jest to postępowanie standardowe.5152

Opieka pielęgniarska w atakach zatrzymania oddechu

Rola personelu pielęgniarskiego w opiece nad dziećmi z atakami zatrzymania oddechu obejmuje szereg działań edukacyjnych, prewencyjnych i wspierających:5354

Edukacja rodziców i opiekunów

Kluczowym elementem opieki pielęgniarskiej jest edukacja rodziców i opiekunów dotycząca:5556

  • Mechanizmu powstawania ataków zatrzymania oddechu
  • Charakterystycznego przebiegu epizodów
  • Prawidłowego postępowania podczas ataku
  • Łagodnego charakteru zaburzenia i dobrego rokowania
  • Rozpoznawania sytuacji wymagających pilnej konsultacji medycznej

57

Działania prewencyjne

Personel pielęgniarski może wspierać rodziców w działaniach zmniejszających częstość ataków:5859

  • Identyfikacja indywidualnych czynników wyzwalających u danego dziecka
  • Nauka technik regulacji emocji dostosowanych do wieku dziecka
  • Wsparcie w ustaleniu rutyny dnia, która zapewnia odpowiednią ilość snu i odpoczynku
  • Pomoc w opracowaniu strategii radzenia sobie z frustracją i gniewem dziecka

60

Wsparcie psychologiczne

Ataki zatrzymania oddechu mogą być bardzo stresującym doświadczeniem dla rodziców i opiekunów. Personel pielęgniarski może oferować wsparcie poprzez:6162

  • Wysłuchanie obaw i lęków związanych z atakami
  • Zapewnienie, że ataki nie prowadzą do uszkodzenia mózgu ani innych trwałych następstw
  • Pomoc w rozpoznaniu oznak nadmiernego stresu i niepokoju
  • Skierowanie do specjalisty zdrowia psychicznego w przypadku znacznego niepokoju rodzica

63

Monitorowanie stanu zdrowia

Do zadań personelu pielęgniarskiego należy również:6465

  • Ocena częstości i charakteru ataków
  • Monitorowanie rozwoju psychomotorycznego dziecka
  • Ocena występowania niedokrwistości i innych problemów zdrowotnych mogących wpływać na częstość ataków
  • Dokumentacja przebiegu ataków

66

Kiedy szukać pomocy medycznej

Mimo że ataki zatrzymania oddechu są zazwyczaj łagodnym zaburzeniem, w niektórych sytuacjach konieczna jest konsultacja lekarska:6768

Natychmiastowa pomoc medyczna

Należy wezwać pogotowie ratunkowe (numer alarmowy 999 lub 112), jeśli:6970

  • Dziecko nie odzyskuje przytomności przez czas dłuższy niż 1 minuta
  • Drgawki utrzymują się po powrocie świadomości
  • Dziecko ma trudności z oddychaniem po ustąpieniu ataku
  • Występują objawy sugerujące aspirację ciała obcego

71

Konsultacja lekarska

Wskazana jest konsultacja lekarska w następujących sytuacjach:7273

  • Pierwszy atak zatrzymania oddechu u dziecka
  • Ataki stają się częstsze (więcej niż raz dziennie lub kilka razy w tygodniu)
  • Epizody trwają dłużej niż zwykle lub są bardziej nasilone
  • Dziecko jest ospałe lub zdezorientowane po ataku
  • Występują nietypowe objawy podczas lub po ataku
  • Rodzice odczuwają znaczny niepokój związany z atakami

7475

Rokowanie w atakach zatrzymania oddechu

Rokowanie w przypadku ataków zatrzymania oddechu jest bardzo dobre:7677

  • Około 50% dzieci przestaje doświadczać ataków do 4 roku życia
  • Ponad 80% dzieci wyrasta z ataków do 8 roku życia
  • Ataki nie powodują trwałego uszkodzenia mózgu ani nie zwiększają ryzyka rozwoju padaczki w późniejszym życiu
  • Nie ma dowodów na długotrwałe negatywne skutki zdrowotne
  • Rozwój neurologiczny dzieci z atakami zatrzymania oddechu jest prawidłowy

7879

Czynniki mogące wpływać na częstość i czas ustępowania ataków to:8081

  • Wiek wystąpienia pierwszego ataku
  • Częstość występowania epizodów
  • Obecność niedokrwistości z niedoboru żelaza
  • Predyspozycje genetyczne

82

Podsumowanie

Ataki zatrzymania oddechu, mimo że mogą wyglądać dramatycznie, są łagodnym zaburzeniem neurorozwojowym występującym u małych dzieci. Charakteryzują się krótkotrwałym, mimowolnym zatrzymaniem oddechu w odpowiedzi na silne bodźce emocjonalne lub fizyczne, które może prowadzić do krótkotrwałej utraty przytomności. Rozpoznanie opiera się głównie na charakterystycznym obrazie klinicznym, a podstawowe badania diagnostyczne mają na celu wykluczenie innych stanów.8384

Kluczowe znaczenie ma edukacja rodziców i opiekunów dotycząca natury ataków, prawidłowego postępowania podczas epizodu oraz dobrego rokowania. Personel medyczny, w tym pielęgniarski, odgrywa istotną rolę w zapewnieniu wsparcia psychologicznego, monitorowaniu stanu zdrowia dziecka oraz pomaganiu rodzinie w radzeniu sobie z tym stresującym doświadczeniem.8586

Zdecydowana większość dzieci wyrasta z ataków zatrzymania oddechu samoistnie, bez jakichkolwiek długotrwałych następstw zdrowotnych, a podstawowym elementem postępowania jest zapewnienie bezpieczeństwa podczas ataku oraz normalne traktowanie dziecka w codziennym funkcjonowaniu.8788

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  1. 11.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Breath-holding spells commonly affect up to 5% of all infants. While they are benign, they might be a frightening experience for children and, consequently, for their caregivers. Breath-holding spells occur in children with benign neurological examination findings and children who meet age-appropriate developmental milestones. Typically breath-holding spells do not affect the subsequent neurological development of a child. […] Breath-holding episodes usually follow an inciting event in which the patient is disciplined, angry, or irritated, followed by crying and breath-holding, resulting in the loss of consciousness. These episodes can be reduced by distracting the child and avoiding the triggers. While benign, knowing these spells’ pathophysiology and differential diagnosis is essential so other pathological conditions may be ruled out. This activity reviews the evaluation of breath-holding episodes and the role of the interprofessional team in managing this condition and educating the parents.
  • #2 Breath-Holding Spells in Toddlers | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/breath-holding-spells-toddlers
    Young children, when faced with an upsetting situation or sudden pain, can hold their breath, causing them to turn bluish or pale, and pass out. Although this is alarming to parents, breath-holding spells are generally not harmful. Children who experience these episodes typically recover quickly with no lasting effects. […] 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 bodys automatic response to distress. They are not a conscious choice on the part of a child or a behavior problem. […] If this is the first time your child has experienced one of these spells, contact your primary care provider. There may be a correlation of breath-holding spells with iron-deficiency anemia, so your childs primary care provider may check the blood count. It is also important to rule out other more serious conditions that in rare cases may mimic breath holding spell. […] The parents best response to a breath-holding spell is to remain calm, recognize that your child isnt doing it on purpose, and offer reassurance. Discuss the problem with your childs primary care provider.
  • #3 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #4 Breath-holding in babies and children
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breath-holding-in-babies-and-children/
    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. […] Breath-holding can be scary for parents, but it’s usually harmless and your child should grow out of it by the age of 4 or 5. […] Your child is not holding their breath on purpose and cannot control what happens when they have a breath-holding episode. […] There’s no specific treatment for breath-holding. It should eventually stop by the time your child is 4 or 5 years old. […] Breath-holding is not something a child does deliberately.
  • #5 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Thankfully, the prognosis is excellent, and these spells usually resolve by age 6 and do not affect the child’s subsequent neurological development. […] Breath-holding spells are a common problem in the pediatric population, with a frequency of up to 5% of children. Most breath-holding spells occur before the child turns 18 months old and generally resolve by age 6. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and do not result in brain damage. Neurologic development outcome, if already normal, will remain normal. Most children will no longer have the episodes by age 6. […] Parents should be educated on handling the events and receive reassurance that breath-holding spells have no long-term effects. Given some parental stress levels associated with these episodes, parents may also benefit from a counselor if these episodes create stress and affect family dynamics. In addition, parents should receive assistance to cope with the stress and should be educated about discipline techniques.
  • #6 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #7 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Breath-Holding-Spells-in-Children.aspx
    Parents should also visit a doctor if either of the following apply: The spells are very frequent (more than once a day). This may still be normal, but a child experiencing frequent spells should be checked by a doctor. […] Breath-holding spells disappear by time a child turns 4 years in around 50% of cases and by the time they are aged 8 in 83% of cases.
  • #8 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Although breath-holding spells are often frightening for caregivers, they do not cause brain damage or any other harm, and your child will outgrow them. […] Research has suggested that breath-holding spells are an abnormal reflex of the nervous system in young children that allows them to hold their breath long enough to stop breathing momentarily. Children do not do this on purpose, and they dont have control over it. […] You should talk to your childs doctor if you think that your child had a breath-holding spell. Some children with breath-holding spells may have low iron or blood levels (anemia). Your childs doctor may want to run additional tests and can help determine if your child has breath-holding spells or another diagnosis, such as seizures which can sometimes appear similar to a breath-holding spell.
  • #9
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Breath-Holding Spells may occur when a young child involuntarily „holds” his/her breath, resulting in a blue, gray or pale color of the face and body. It may occasionally be followed by fainting and a brief period of unconsciousness. […] Typically, a child between the ages of 6 months to 6 years will become emotionally upset, resulting in a prolonged inspiration and a subsequent „holding” of his/her breath (cyanotic spell). In some circumstances, a child may be surprised, excited, angered or frightened and may lose consciousness rapidly (pallid spell). It is hypothesized that the child loses consciousness due to a lack of cerebral blood flow from stimulation of the vagus nerve. […] In addition to the color changes and occasional loss of consciousness, children may rarely have a brief seizure after they faint. These seizures will resolve on their own very quickly. Fortunately, the children begin breathing again spontaneously after they lose consciousness.
  • #10 Breath-Holding Spells in Toddlers | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/breath-holding-spells-toddlers
    Young children, when faced with an upsetting situation or sudden pain, can hold their breath, causing them to turn bluish or pale, and pass out. Although this is alarming to parents, breath-holding spells are generally not harmful. Children who experience these episodes typically recover quickly with no lasting effects. […] 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 bodys automatic response to distress. They are not a conscious choice on the part of a child or a behavior problem. […] If this is the first time your child has experienced one of these spells, contact your primary care provider. There may be a correlation of breath-holding spells with iron-deficiency anemia, so your childs primary care provider may check the blood count. It is also important to rule out other more serious conditions that in rare cases may mimic breath holding spell. […] The parents best response to a breath-holding spell is to remain calm, recognize that your child isnt doing it on purpose, and offer reassurance. Discuss the problem with your childs primary care provider.
  • #11 Breath-holding spells in infants
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4325862/
    A breath-holding spell is a benign paroxysmal nonepileptic disorder occurring in healthy children 6 to 48 months of age. The episodes start with a provocation such as emotional upset or minor injury, and might progress to breath holding, cyanosis, and syncope. The episodes are extremely frightening to watch but have benign consequences. Once a clinical diagnosis is made, it is recommended to conduct an electrocardiogram and to rule out anemia, but no further investigation or referral is warranted. […] Breath-holding spells are extremely frightening to parents. Episodes are described as infants crying, for up to a minute, and while crying excessively they will hold their breath to a point at which they might lose consciousness. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and pose no long-term risks for the infant. […] Owing to the high frequency of anemia among children with breath-holding spells, testing for anemia or treating empirically for iron deficiency anemia is recommended.
  • #12 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    Breath-holding spells are short spells of time during which a child stops breathing. They are commonly mistaken for seizures. […] Spells usually occur in an otherwise neurologically healthy toddler. The most common age for a spell is between 12 and 18 months old. Some children with breath-holding spells can be younger. […] This condition is seen in about 1 in 25 children during the first few years of life. […] There are two types of breath-holding spells. Both types may occur in the same child at different times. They are defined based on the child’s color during the spell: […] Cyanotic Breath-Holding Spell. A child turns blue during this type of spell. Cyanosis is the medical term for taking on a bluish or purplish tone. This coloring is due to lack of oxygen in the blood. […] Pallid Breath-Holding Spell. A child appears pale rather than blue during this type of spell.
  • #13 Breath Holding Spells: Do This When Your Upset Child Hoods Breath
    https://www.webmd.com/children/children-breath-holding
    If your young child reacts to sudden pain or upset by not breathing, turning blue or pale, and then fainting, they may have just had a breath-holding spell. […] The spells dont hurt the children, and many outgrow them by age 4 but can continue until they are about 8. […] Breath-holding spells come in two types. With cyanotic spells, a childs face turns blue. With pallid spells, they become pale. […] Often, a breath-holding attack starts with crying in reaction to pain, fear, or anger. […] Your child doesnt have these spells on purpose. Its their bodys involuntary response to a sudden event. […] After your childs first breath-holding spell, take them to their doctor to rule out any health problems. […] There are no drugs or other treatments for these spells. […] The best thing to do is let your child lie on their side while they’re out. […] Your childs doctor may teach you how to spot triggers that cause the spells, so you may prevent them.
  • #14 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    These are the most common type of breath-holding spells. They are seen in more than half of cases. […] They are provoked and preceded by crying. Sometimes, the crying is not intense. For instance, cyanotic spells can be provoked by mild sobbing. […] Triggers involve an emotional upset of some kind. An example might be an older sibling taking away a toy. […] Spells always occur while a child is awake. […] Breath-holding spells are always provoked. This means they have a trigger. True epileptic seizures are not always provoked. […] Returning to baseline means returning to a child’s state before the incident. There is a quick return to baseline after a breath-holding spell. There is usually a delayed return to baseline after a true epileptic seizure. […] No treatment is needed for isolated, rare, or infrequent events.
  • #15 How to Care for Your Child with Breath Holding – Sidra Medicine
    https://www.sidra.org/health-wellness/education-resources/emergency-department-education-material-2/how-to-care-for-your-child-with-breath-holding/
    This leaflet will provide you with information about breath holding in infants, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and home care advice. […] Breath holding is when a young child stops breathing for a short time, usually after crying hard, being scared, or getting hurt. It can be very scary to see, but it usually doesnt cause any long-term harm. It is most common in children aged 6 months to 6 years. […] Most of the time, no treatment is needed. Helping your child stay calm and avoiding known triggers can reduce the number of episodes. Rarely, if the spells are very frequent or severe, the doctor might suggest medicine. […] Stay calm: Try to remain calm during the spell, as your reaction can affect your child. […] Go to the nearest emergency department if your child: Has frequent breath holding spells […] Call 999 if your child: Stays unconscious for a long time.
  • #16 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    These are the most common type of breath-holding spells. They are seen in more than half of cases. […] They are provoked and preceded by crying. Sometimes, the crying is not intense. For instance, cyanotic spells can be provoked by mild sobbing. […] Triggers involve an emotional upset of some kind. An example might be an older sibling taking away a toy. […] Spells always occur while a child is awake. […] Breath-holding spells are always provoked. This means they have a trigger. True epileptic seizures are not always provoked. […] Returning to baseline means returning to a child’s state before the incident. There is a quick return to baseline after a breath-holding spell. There is usually a delayed return to baseline after a true epileptic seizure. […] No treatment is needed for isolated, rare, or infrequent events.
  • #17 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    Breath-holding spells are short spells of time during which a child stops breathing. They are commonly mistaken for seizures. […] Spells usually occur in an otherwise neurologically healthy toddler. The most common age for a spell is between 12 and 18 months old. Some children with breath-holding spells can be younger. […] This condition is seen in about 1 in 25 children during the first few years of life. […] There are two types of breath-holding spells. Both types may occur in the same child at different times. They are defined based on the child’s color during the spell: […] Cyanotic Breath-Holding Spell. A child turns blue during this type of spell. Cyanosis is the medical term for taking on a bluish or purplish tone. This coloring is due to lack of oxygen in the blood. […] Pallid Breath-Holding Spell. A child appears pale rather than blue during this type of spell.
  • #18
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Breath-Holding Spells may occur when a young child involuntarily „holds” his/her breath, resulting in a blue, gray or pale color of the face and body. It may occasionally be followed by fainting and a brief period of unconsciousness. […] Typically, a child between the ages of 6 months to 6 years will become emotionally upset, resulting in a prolonged inspiration and a subsequent „holding” of his/her breath (cyanotic spell). In some circumstances, a child may be surprised, excited, angered or frightened and may lose consciousness rapidly (pallid spell). It is hypothesized that the child loses consciousness due to a lack of cerebral blood flow from stimulation of the vagus nerve. […] In addition to the color changes and occasional loss of consciousness, children may rarely have a brief seizure after they faint. These seizures will resolve on their own very quickly. Fortunately, the children begin breathing again spontaneously after they lose consciousness.
  • #19 Breath-holding spells in children | Raising Children Network
    https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/behaviour/common-concerns/breath-holding
    Follow these tips to help your child through a breath-holding spell: […] Seek medical attention the first time your child has a breath-holding incident. Your health professional will check to make sure that your child doesnt have a more serious condition. […] You should consult a doctor about breath-holding if your child: […] You cant prevent breath-holding, but you might be able to prevent the events leading up to breath-holding: […] If your childs breath-holding is triggered by tantrums because you said no to something, try to avoid giving in and saying yes. […] This is the most common type of breath-holding. […] This type of breath-holding is also called blue spells. […] This is less common than cyanotic breath-holding. […] This type of breath-holding is also called pale spells.
  • #20 San Diego Pediatricians | Children’s Primary Care Medical Group » Archive » ASK THE CPCMG PEDIATRICIAN:Breath-holding spells
    https://www.cpcmg.net/ask-the-cpcmg-pediatricianbreath-holding-spells/
    Doctors can diagnose breath-holding spells based on the history of the event. They follow a typical pattern. Usually the child will give out one or two long cries, and then they will hold their breath until their lips and face look blue. Your child may briefly pass out. If you are holding your child, they may feel stiff. Normal breathing will start again in less than one minute. After a brief time (less than 2 minutes), your child will become fully alert and will be back to their normal neurological state. […] Many families want to understand what causes breath-holding spells. They tend to run in families and there is some evidence that anemia worsens them. Your doctor may want to test your child for anemia. […] If you think your child is experiencing breath-holding spells, speak with your CPCMG pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. If your child has spells that are lasting more than one minute, jerking movements lasting more than one minute or if your child seems really sleepy after the episode, there may be a different diagnosis that needs to be explored. And of course, if you have any concerns about your child, you should discuss this with your CPCMG pediatrician.
  • #21 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #22 Breath-holding Spell | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/breath-holding-spell/
    A spell that involves holding the breath, then turning blue and passing out. […] Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child’s doctor. […] 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). […] 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. […] 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. […] Time the length of a few spells. Use a watch with a second hand.
  • #23 Breath-holding Spell | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/breath-holding-spell/
    Breathing almost always returns by 60 seconds. […] 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. […] 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. […] Spells happen from 1 or 2 times a day to 1 or 2 times a month. […] Kids outgrow them by age 6.
  • #24
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Breath-Holding Spells may occur when a young child involuntarily „holds” his/her breath, resulting in a blue, gray or pale color of the face and body. It may occasionally be followed by fainting and a brief period of unconsciousness. […] Typically, a child between the ages of 6 months to 6 years will become emotionally upset, resulting in a prolonged inspiration and a subsequent „holding” of his/her breath (cyanotic spell). In some circumstances, a child may be surprised, excited, angered or frightened and may lose consciousness rapidly (pallid spell). It is hypothesized that the child loses consciousness due to a lack of cerebral blood flow from stimulation of the vagus nerve. […] In addition to the color changes and occasional loss of consciousness, children may rarely have a brief seizure after they faint. These seizures will resolve on their own very quickly. Fortunately, the children begin breathing again spontaneously after they lose consciousness.
  • #25
    https://www.columbiapeds.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Breath-Holding Spells may occur when a young child involuntarily „holds” his/her breath, resulting in a blue, gray or pale color of the face and body. It may occasionally be followed by fainting and a brief period of unconsciousness. […] Typically, a child between the ages of 6 months to 6 years will become emotionally upset, resulting in a prolonged inspiration and a subsequent „holding” of his/her breath (cyanotic spell). In some circumstances, a child may be surprised, excited, angered or frightened and may lose consciousness rapidly (pallid spell). […] In addition to the color changes and occasional loss of consciousness, children may rarely have a brief seizure after they faint. These seizures will resolve on their own very quickly. Fortunately, the children begin breathing again spontaneously after they lose consciousness.
  • #26 San Diego Pediatricians | Children’s Primary Care Medical Group » Archive » ASK THE CPCMG PEDIATRICIAN:Breath-holding spells
    https://www.cpcmg.net/ask-the-cpcmg-pediatricianbreath-holding-spells/
    Doctors can diagnose breath-holding spells based on the history of the event. They follow a typical pattern. Usually the child will give out one or two long cries, and then they will hold their breath until their lips and face look blue. Your child may briefly pass out. If you are holding your child, they may feel stiff. Normal breathing will start again in less than one minute. After a brief time (less than 2 minutes), your child will become fully alert and will be back to their normal neurological state. […] Many families want to understand what causes breath-holding spells. They tend to run in families and there is some evidence that anemia worsens them. Your doctor may want to test your child for anemia. […] If you think your child is experiencing breath-holding spells, speak with your CPCMG pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. If your child has spells that are lasting more than one minute, jerking movements lasting more than one minute or if your child seems really sleepy after the episode, there may be a different diagnosis that needs to be explored. And of course, if you have any concerns about your child, you should discuss this with your CPCMG pediatrician.
  • #27 When Your Child Has Breath-Holding Spells 
    https://healthlibrary.chnola.org/InteractiveTools/Calculators/3,89553
    Your child is having breath-holding spells. During a breath-holding spell, your child holds their breath for a while before briefly losing consciousness. Breath-holding spells often happen after a trauma or an emotional upset. They occur most often in children under age 3. Breath-holding spells can be scary for both parents and children. But they are not usually a serious problem. And they often stop by the time your child is 5 or 6 years old. […] Breath-holding spells are usually easy to diagnose. To do this, the healthcare provider will examine your child and ask about your child’s medical history, health, and symptoms. Certain tests may be done to rule out other problems if the diagnosis is uncertain. […] Even though breath-holding spells can be scary, they are rarely dangerous. To prevent them, you might be tempted to shield your child from too much excitement or strong emotion. But it’s important to treat your child normally and set appropriate boundaries.
  • #28
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    These spells are usually diagnosed by history alone. Your health care provider may choose to evaluate your child’s heart with an electrocardiogram (ECG) or look for an underlying seizure disorder with an electroencephalogram (EEG). There is no relationship between these spells and epilepsy. […] The spells self-resolve as your child gets older. Parents, family members, child care providers and teachers should be aware of the possibility of a breath-holding spell. In the event that your child begins to „hold” his/her breath, caretakers should recognize the possibility of fainting and work to keep the child safe. It is not recommended that caretakers „give in” to the child’s requests or wants just to avoid a spell. Parents may wish to consult with their health care provider or a trained therapist to explore effective behavior modification techniques.
  • #29 Breath-holding spells in infants
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4325862/
    A breath-holding spell is a benign paroxysmal nonepileptic disorder occurring in healthy children 6 to 48 months of age. The episodes start with a provocation such as emotional upset or minor injury, and might progress to breath holding, cyanosis, and syncope. The episodes are extremely frightening to watch but have benign consequences. Once a clinical diagnosis is made, it is recommended to conduct an electrocardiogram and to rule out anemia, but no further investigation or referral is warranted. […] Breath-holding spells are extremely frightening to parents. Episodes are described as infants crying, for up to a minute, and while crying excessively they will hold their breath to a point at which they might lose consciousness. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and pose no long-term risks for the infant. […] Owing to the high frequency of anemia among children with breath-holding spells, testing for anemia or treating empirically for iron deficiency anemia is recommended.
  • #30 Breath-Holding Spells in Toddlers | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/breath-holding-spells-toddlers
    Young children, when faced with an upsetting situation or sudden pain, can hold their breath, causing them to turn bluish or pale, and pass out. Although this is alarming to parents, breath-holding spells are generally not harmful. Children who experience these episodes typically recover quickly with no lasting effects. […] 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 bodys automatic response to distress. They are not a conscious choice on the part of a child or a behavior problem. […] If this is the first time your child has experienced one of these spells, contact your primary care provider. There may be a correlation of breath-holding spells with iron-deficiency anemia, so your childs primary care provider may check the blood count. It is also important to rule out other more serious conditions that in rare cases may mimic breath holding spell. […] The parents best response to a breath-holding spell is to remain calm, recognize that your child isnt doing it on purpose, and offer reassurance. Discuss the problem with your childs primary care provider.
  • #31 San Diego Pediatricians | Children’s Primary Care Medical Group » Archive » ASK THE CPCMG PEDIATRICIAN:Breath-holding spells
    https://www.cpcmg.net/ask-the-cpcmg-pediatricianbreath-holding-spells/
    Doctors can diagnose breath-holding spells based on the history of the event. They follow a typical pattern. Usually the child will give out one or two long cries, and then they will hold their breath until their lips and face look blue. Your child may briefly pass out. If you are holding your child, they may feel stiff. Normal breathing will start again in less than one minute. After a brief time (less than 2 minutes), your child will become fully alert and will be back to their normal neurological state. […] Many families want to understand what causes breath-holding spells. They tend to run in families and there is some evidence that anemia worsens them. Your doctor may want to test your child for anemia. […] If you think your child is experiencing breath-holding spells, speak with your CPCMG pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. If your child has spells that are lasting more than one minute, jerking movements lasting more than one minute or if your child seems really sleepy after the episode, there may be a different diagnosis that needs to be explored. And of course, if you have any concerns about your child, you should discuss this with your CPCMG pediatrician.
  • #32
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    These spells are usually diagnosed by history alone. Your health care provider may choose to evaluate your child’s heart with an electrocardiogram (ECG) or look for an underlying seizure disorder with an electroencephalogram (EEG). There is no relationship between these spells and epilepsy. […] The spells self-resolve as your child gets older. Parents, family members, child care providers and teachers should be aware of the possibility of a breath-holding spell. In the event that your child begins to „hold” his/her breath, caretakers should recognize the possibility of fainting and work to keep the child safe. It is not recommended that caretakers „give in” to the child’s requests or wants just to avoid a spell. Parents may wish to consult with their health care provider or a trained therapist to explore effective behavior modification techniques.
  • #33 Baby Breath Holding: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outlook
    https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/baby-holding-breath
    Breath holding affects 0.1% to 4.6% of otherwise healthy young children. It typically starts occurring between 6 and 18 months of age. […] Sudden shock or pain often triggers breath holding. It can also be the result of strong emotions like anger, sadness, or fear. […] If your little one is holding their breath, you may feel scared or have a flood of adrenaline that pushes you into action. […] Its important to call 911 or local emergency services right away if your child: […] These can be symptoms of breath holding, but they can also be related to more serious conditions. […] Although it may give you a mini heart attack, its usually harmless when your baby holds their breath. Many children outgrow this by the time they are 4 or 5 years old. […] If breath holding increases in frequency or interferes with daily activities, your childs doctor may refer them to a neurologist (brain specialist) and cardiologist (heart specialist).
  • #34
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    These spells are usually diagnosed by history alone. Your health care provider may choose to evaluate your child’s heart with an electrocardiogram (ECG) or look for an underlying seizure disorder with an electroencephalogram (EEG). There is no relationship between these spells and epilepsy. […] The spells self-resolve as your child gets older. Parents, family members, child care providers and teachers should be aware of the possibility of a breath-holding spell. In the event that your child begins to „hold” his/her breath, caretakers should recognize the possibility of fainting and work to keep the child safe. It is not recommended that caretakers „give in” to the child’s requests or wants just to avoid a spell. Parents may wish to consult with their health care provider or a trained therapist to explore effective behavior modification techniques.
  • #35 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    These are the most common type of breath-holding spells. They are seen in more than half of cases. […] They are provoked and preceded by crying. Sometimes, the crying is not intense. For instance, cyanotic spells can be provoked by mild sobbing. […] Triggers involve an emotional upset of some kind. An example might be an older sibling taking away a toy. […] Spells always occur while a child is awake. […] Breath-holding spells are always provoked. This means they have a trigger. True epileptic seizures are not always provoked. […] Returning to baseline means returning to a child’s state before the incident. There is a quick return to baseline after a breath-holding spell. There is usually a delayed return to baseline after a true epileptic seizure. […] No treatment is needed for isolated, rare, or infrequent events.
  • #36 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    These are the most common type of breath-holding spells. They are seen in more than half of cases. […] They are provoked and preceded by crying. Sometimes, the crying is not intense. For instance, cyanotic spells can be provoked by mild sobbing. […] Triggers involve an emotional upset of some kind. An example might be an older sibling taking away a toy. […] Spells always occur while a child is awake. […] Breath-holding spells are always provoked. This means they have a trigger. True epileptic seizures are not always provoked. […] Returning to baseline means returning to a child’s state before the incident. There is a quick return to baseline after a breath-holding spell. There is usually a delayed return to baseline after a true epileptic seizure. […] No treatment is needed for isolated, rare, or infrequent events.
  • #37 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #38 Breath-holding Spell | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/breath-holding-spell/
    A spell that involves holding the breath, then turning blue and passing out. […] Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child’s doctor. […] 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). […] 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. […] 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. […] Time the length of a few spells. Use a watch with a second hand.
  • #39 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #40
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Breath-holding+Spell
    A spell that involves holding the breath, then turning blue and passing out. […] Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child’s doctor. […] 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). […] 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. […] 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. […] 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.
  • #41 Breath-holding Spell | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/breath-holding-spell/
    A spell that involves holding the breath, then turning blue and passing out. […] Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child’s doctor. […] 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). […] 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. […] 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. […] Time the length of a few spells. Use a watch with a second hand.
  • #42
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Breath-holding+Spell
    A spell that involves holding the breath, then turning blue and passing out. […] Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child’s doctor. […] 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). […] 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. […] 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. […] 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.
  • #43 Breath-holding Spell | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/breath-holding-spell/
    Breathing almost always returns by 60 seconds. […] 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. […] 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. […] Spells happen from 1 or 2 times a day to 1 or 2 times a month. […] Kids outgrow them by age 6.
  • #44 Breath-Holding – Kids Plus Pediatrics
    https://www.kidsplus.com/parent-resources/doctors-notes/breath-holding/
    Breath-holding spells appear quite terrifying to parents when they occur, they do not pose any severe health risk. […] Children generally outgrow breath holding spells by the age of 5-6 years. […] If your child is standing and a breath-holding spell occurs, help her to the floor safety and lay her on her side as you wait for her to regain consciousness. […] It’s important to act normally after your child has recovered. […] It’s important not to give in to your child to stop these events, as he may begin to voluntarily hold his breath to help aid in getting the outcome he desires. […] If the attacks become frequent – more than once a day or several times per week. […] If the episode lasts longer than a few minutes and is followed with a period of drowsiness and confusion. […] If your child becomes pale or has a loss of consciousness for no specific reason.
  • #45 Breath-Holding Spells Information & Treatment
    https://www.columbiadoctors.org/health-library/condition/breath-holding-spells/
    Breath-holding spells can be frustrating for parents. If you have trouble dealing with your child’s spells or find yourself getting angry, talk with your doctor or a counselor. Try to keep in mind that your child isn’t having spells on purpose. […] To protect your child during a spell, lay your child on the floor and keep their arms, legs, and head from hitting anything hard or sharp.
  • #46
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Breath-holding+Spell
    Never shake your baby. It can cause bleeding in the brain. […] 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. […] Spells happen from 1 or 2 times a day to 1 or 2 times a month. […] Kids outgrow them by age 6.
  • #47
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ad1702
    Breath-holding spells are brief periods when young children stop breathing for up to 1 minute. These spells often cause a child to faint (lose consciousness). They are usually not a behaviour the child does on purpose. […] Breath-holding spells can occur in children between 6 months and 6 years of age and are most common from 1 to 3 years of age. The spells are usually not serious, do not cause permanent damage or affect a child’s future health, and gradually go away on their own over time. […] Home treatment usually is all that is needed for breath-holding spells. You can make breath-holding spells less likely by helping your child get plenty of rest, feel secure, and manage their frustration. […] After a spell happens, reassure and comfort your child. Keep in mind that your child is not doing this on purpose. Make sure all your child’s caregivers understand the cause of breath-holding spells and how to manage them.
  • #48 Breath-Holding Spells Information & Treatment
    https://www.columbiadoctors.org/health-library/condition/breath-holding-spells/
    Breath-holding spells are brief periods when young children stop breathing for up to 1 minute. These spells often cause a child to pass out (lose consciousness). 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. […] Breath-holding spells can occur in children 6 months through 6 years of age. 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. […] Most children don’t need treatment for breath-holding spells. Spells will go away as your child gets older. If your doctor thinks that a medical condition is causing the spells, your child may need treatment.
  • #49 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Thankfully, the prognosis is excellent, and these spells usually resolve by age 6 and do not affect the child’s subsequent neurological development. […] Breath-holding spells are a common problem in the pediatric population, with a frequency of up to 5% of children. Most breath-holding spells occur before the child turns 18 months old and generally resolve by age 6. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and do not result in brain damage. Neurologic development outcome, if already normal, will remain normal. Most children will no longer have the episodes by age 6. […] Parents should be educated on handling the events and receive reassurance that breath-holding spells have no long-term effects. Given some parental stress levels associated with these episodes, parents may also benefit from a counselor if these episodes create stress and affect family dynamics. In addition, parents should receive assistance to cope with the stress and should be educated about discipline techniques.
  • #50 Breath-Holding Spells (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/spells.html
    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 arent harmful and usually last less than a minute. Kids outgrow the spells without any treatment. […] Breath-holding spells happen in healthy children from 6 months to 6 years old. Theyre most common when kids are 618 months old, and tend to run in families. […] If this is your child’s first breath-holding spell, get medical care. Although the spells aren’t harmful, it’s good to get your child checked out. […] Your doctor can work with you on ways to try to limit your childs spells. If your child typically has a breath-holding spell after crying, you can try to prevent your child from getting upset. […] Remind yourself that the breath-holding spells are not harmful and that your child will outgrow them. If you are very worried about the spells, talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to cope.
  • #51
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Anticonvulsant medications are not effective in this condition. Atropine has been studied as a potential medication, but the side effects make this medication an unlikely choice. If your child has gastroesophageal reflux, your health care provider may choose to treat this condition more aggressively in order to minimize stimulation of the vagus nerve. […] Parents should be taught how to respond and treat a seizure in the event that it should happen in association with a Breath-Holding Spell. They should activate their local emergency medical system (e.g. Call 911) if their child loses consciousness for greater than 1 minute. […] These spells will not harm your child as long as proper safety precautions are met to avoid trauma during a fall to the ground. There are no known long-term effects. You may want to talk to a therapist if you find yourself avoiding discipline for fear of inducing a spell.
  • #52 How to Care for Your Child with Breath Holding – Sidra Medicine
    https://www.sidra.org/health-wellness/education-resources/emergency-department-education-material-2/how-to-care-for-your-child-with-breath-holding/
    This leaflet will provide you with information about breath holding in infants, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and home care advice. […] Breath holding is when a young child stops breathing for a short time, usually after crying hard, being scared, or getting hurt. It can be very scary to see, but it usually doesnt cause any long-term harm. It is most common in children aged 6 months to 6 years. […] Most of the time, no treatment is needed. Helping your child stay calm and avoiding known triggers can reduce the number of episodes. Rarely, if the spells are very frequent or severe, the doctor might suggest medicine. […] Stay calm: Try to remain calm during the spell, as your reaction can affect your child. […] Go to the nearest emergency department if your child: Has frequent breath holding spells […] Call 999 if your child: Stays unconscious for a long time.
  • #53 How Nurse Triage Can Help Parents Understand and Manage Pediatric Breath-Holding
    https://triagelogic.com/how-nurse-triage-can-help-parents-understand-and-manage-pediatric-breath-holding/
    Pediatric breath-holding is a phenomenon that both perplexes and concerns parents and caregivers. Like the name implies, its when children hold their breath for a brief period of time, sometimes to the point that they pass out. Breath-holding usually follows feelings of anger, surprise, or pain. It can be demonstrated by children as young as six months, or as old as six years. While this behavior is usually harmless and often outgrown, parents benefit from understanding why it happens, and how to manage it. Telephone nurse triage can provide parents of children who hold their breath with needed reassurance and clarity. […] Pediatric breath-holding happens to about five percent of healthy children, and can be a condition that runs in families. These episodes (or spells) are often triggered by emotions such as anger, frustration, or fear, and they typically resolve on their own when the child starts breathing again.
  • #54 How Nurse Triage Can Help Parents Understand and Manage Pediatric Breath-Holding
    https://triagelogic.com/how-nurse-triage-can-help-parents-understand-and-manage-pediatric-breath-holding/
    While pediatric breath-holding is a largely benign behavior, it can be distressing for parents to witness their child turn blue or pale, or even lose consciousness. Here are some general guidelines they can follow on how to respond to these episodes. […] Seek Medical Advice. Persistent or severe episodes, including seizures, may warrant medical attention. This is where triage nurses can better advise parents and caregivers on which providers they should speak with for diagnoses and care plans. […] Triage nurses respond to patient phone requests by evaluating their symptoms and advising them on where to seek treatment. These evaluations are performed using Schmitt-Thompson triage protocols. Triage protocols cover a wide range of pediatric health concerns, and offer a standardized and efficient approach to addressing them including breath-holding episodes. […] Understanding its triggers and management strategies will help protect children who are affected. TriageLogics Nurse Triage On Call service, coupled with Schmitt-Thompson pediatric protocols, can give your practice the resources it needs to address this condition.
  • #55 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Thankfully, the prognosis is excellent, and these spells usually resolve by age 6 and do not affect the child’s subsequent neurological development. […] Breath-holding spells are a common problem in the pediatric population, with a frequency of up to 5% of children. Most breath-holding spells occur before the child turns 18 months old and generally resolve by age 6. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and do not result in brain damage. Neurologic development outcome, if already normal, will remain normal. Most children will no longer have the episodes by age 6. […] Parents should be educated on handling the events and receive reassurance that breath-holding spells have no long-term effects. Given some parental stress levels associated with these episodes, parents may also benefit from a counselor if these episodes create stress and affect family dynamics. In addition, parents should receive assistance to cope with the stress and should be educated about discipline techniques.
  • #56 How to Care for Your Child with Breath Holding – Sidra Medicine
    https://www.sidra.org/health-wellness/education-resources/emergency-department-education-material-2/how-to-care-for-your-child-with-breath-holding/
    This leaflet will provide you with information about breath holding in infants, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and home care advice. […] Breath holding is when a young child stops breathing for a short time, usually after crying hard, being scared, or getting hurt. It can be very scary to see, but it usually doesnt cause any long-term harm. It is most common in children aged 6 months to 6 years. […] Most of the time, no treatment is needed. Helping your child stay calm and avoiding known triggers can reduce the number of episodes. Rarely, if the spells are very frequent or severe, the doctor might suggest medicine. […] Stay calm: Try to remain calm during the spell, as your reaction can affect your child. […] Go to the nearest emergency department if your child: Has frequent breath holding spells […] Call 999 if your child: Stays unconscious for a long time.
  • #57
    https://www.advocaresocietyhillpeds.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Breath-Holding Spells may occur when a young child involuntarily „holds” his/her breath, resulting in a blue, gray or pale color of the face and body. […] Typically, a child between the ages of 6 months to 6 years will become emotionally upset, resulting in a prolonged inspiration and a subsequent „holding” of his/her breath (cyanotic spell). […] In addition to the color changes and occasional loss of consciousness, children may rarely have a brief seizure after they faint. […] The spells self-resolve as your child gets older. Parents, family members, child care providers and teachers should be aware of the possibility of a breath-holding spell. […] Anticonvulsant medications are not effective in this condition. […] Parents should be taught how to respond and treat a seizure in the event that it should happen in association with a Breath-Holding Spell. […] These spells will not harm your child as long as proper safety precautions are met to avoid trauma during a fall to the ground.
  • #58 Breath-holding spells factsheet | The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
    https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/breath-holding-spells-factsheet
    Do not shake your child during a breath-holding spell as it can cause serious injuries. […] Comfort your child after the spell without focusing on or rewarding it. […] Breath-holding spells are an involuntary response. This means your child is not holding their breath on purpose. […] Breath-holding spells usually happen when your child is experiencing strong emotions or crying very hard. […] Breath-holding spells cannot be prevented. However, parents and caregivers can help their child manage big feelings that may lead to a spell. […] If you are concerned about your child’s ability to manage big feelings and breath-holding spells, speak to your local doctor.
  • #59 Breath-Holding Spells | Dayton Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrensdayton.org/kidshealth/a/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 arent harmful and usually last less than a minute. Kids outgrow the spells without any treatment. […] If this is your child’s first breath-holding spell, get medical care. Although the spells aren’t harmful, it’s good to get your child checked out. […] Your doctor can work with you on ways to try to limit your childs spells. If your child typically has a breath-holding spell after crying, you can try to prevent your child from getting upset. […] Remind yourself that the breath-holding spells are not harmful and that your child will outgrow them.
  • #60
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ad1702
    Breath-holding spells are brief periods when young children stop breathing for up to 1 minute. These spells often cause a child to faint (lose consciousness). They are usually not a behaviour the child does on purpose. […] Breath-holding spells can occur in children between 6 months and 6 years of age and are most common from 1 to 3 years of age. The spells are usually not serious, do not cause permanent damage or affect a child’s future health, and gradually go away on their own over time. […] Home treatment usually is all that is needed for breath-holding spells. You can make breath-holding spells less likely by helping your child get plenty of rest, feel secure, and manage their frustration. […] After a spell happens, reassure and comfort your child. Keep in mind that your child is not doing this on purpose. Make sure all your child’s caregivers understand the cause of breath-holding spells and how to manage them.
  • #61 Breath-Holding Spells (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/spells.html
    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 arent harmful and usually last less than a minute. Kids outgrow the spells without any treatment. […] Breath-holding spells happen in healthy children from 6 months to 6 years old. Theyre most common when kids are 618 months old, and tend to run in families. […] If this is your child’s first breath-holding spell, get medical care. Although the spells aren’t harmful, it’s good to get your child checked out. […] Your doctor can work with you on ways to try to limit your childs spells. If your child typically has a breath-holding spell after crying, you can try to prevent your child from getting upset. […] Remind yourself that the breath-holding spells are not harmful and that your child will outgrow them. If you are very worried about the spells, talking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to cope.
  • #62 Breath-Holding Spells Information & Treatment
    https://www.columbiadoctors.org/health-library/condition/breath-holding-spells/
    Breath-holding spells can be frustrating for parents. If you have trouble dealing with your child’s spells or find yourself getting angry, talk with your doctor or a counselor. Try to keep in mind that your child isn’t having spells on purpose. […] To protect your child during a spell, lay your child on the floor and keep their arms, legs, and head from hitting anything hard or sharp.
  • #63
    https://www.ppadocs.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    Anticonvulsant medications are not effective in this condition. Atropine has been studied as a potential medication, but the side effects make this medication an unlikely choice. If your child has gastroesophageal reflux, your health care provider may choose to treat this condition more aggressively in order to minimize stimulation of the vagus nerve. […] Parents should be taught how to respond and treat a seizure in the event that it should happen in association with a Breath-Holding Spell. They should activate their local emergency medical system (e.g. Call 911) if their child loses consciousness for greater than 1 minute. […] These spells will not harm your child as long as proper safety precautions are met to avoid trauma during a fall to the ground. There are no known long-term effects. You may want to talk to a therapist if you find yourself avoiding discipline for fear of inducing a spell.
  • #64 San Diego Pediatricians | Children’s Primary Care Medical Group » Archive » ASK THE CPCMG PEDIATRICIAN:Breath-holding spells
    https://www.cpcmg.net/ask-the-cpcmg-pediatricianbreath-holding-spells/
    Doctors can diagnose breath-holding spells based on the history of the event. They follow a typical pattern. Usually the child will give out one or two long cries, and then they will hold their breath until their lips and face look blue. Your child may briefly pass out. If you are holding your child, they may feel stiff. Normal breathing will start again in less than one minute. After a brief time (less than 2 minutes), your child will become fully alert and will be back to their normal neurological state. […] Many families want to understand what causes breath-holding spells. They tend to run in families and there is some evidence that anemia worsens them. Your doctor may want to test your child for anemia. […] If you think your child is experiencing breath-holding spells, speak with your CPCMG pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. If your child has spells that are lasting more than one minute, jerking movements lasting more than one minute or if your child seems really sleepy after the episode, there may be a different diagnosis that needs to be explored. And of course, if you have any concerns about your child, you should discuss this with your CPCMG pediatrician.
  • #65 Breath-Holding Spells in Toddlers | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/breath-holding-spells-toddlers
    Young children, when faced with an upsetting situation or sudden pain, can hold their breath, causing them to turn bluish or pale, and pass out. Although this is alarming to parents, breath-holding spells are generally not harmful. Children who experience these episodes typically recover quickly with no lasting effects. […] 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 bodys automatic response to distress. They are not a conscious choice on the part of a child or a behavior problem. […] If this is the first time your child has experienced one of these spells, contact your primary care provider. There may be a correlation of breath-holding spells with iron-deficiency anemia, so your childs primary care provider may check the blood count. It is also important to rule out other more serious conditions that in rare cases may mimic breath holding spell. […] The parents best response to a breath-holding spell is to remain calm, recognize that your child isnt doing it on purpose, and offer reassurance. Discuss the problem with your childs primary care provider.
  • #66 Breath-Holding Spells (Child)
    https://shannonhealthsystemib.staywellsolutionsonline.com/RelatedItems/82,115804en
    A breath-holding spell can look like a seizure or fainting. Please contact your child’s health care provider immediately to tell them about this event. […] Follow up with your child’s provider or as advised. Talk to your child’s provider if tantrums or breath-holding episodes become longer or more frequent or intense. […] Contact your child’s health care provider right away if any of these take place: Breath-holding spells become worse, longer, or different than usual. […] Call 911 if: Your child has trouble breathing or stops breathing.
  • #67 When Your Child Has Breath Holding Spells | Saint Luke’s Health System
    https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/when-your-child-has-breath-holding-spells
    Even though breath-holding spells can be scary, they are rarely dangerous. […] The good news is that breath-holding spells usually go away after age 5. They won’t cause brain damage or other problems. And they don’t make your child more likely to have health problems later in life. […] Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if any of the following occurs: Passing out (fainting) during a breath-holding spell if fainting has not happened before, Has a seizure (shaking or jerking) during a breath-holding spell.
  • #68 How to Care for Your Child with Breath Holding – Sidra Medicine
    https://www.sidra.org/health-wellness/education-resources/emergency-department-education-material-2/how-to-care-for-your-child-with-breath-holding/
    This leaflet will provide you with information about breath holding in infants, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and home care advice. […] Breath holding is when a young child stops breathing for a short time, usually after crying hard, being scared, or getting hurt. It can be very scary to see, but it usually doesnt cause any long-term harm. It is most common in children aged 6 months to 6 years. […] Most of the time, no treatment is needed. Helping your child stay calm and avoiding known triggers can reduce the number of episodes. Rarely, if the spells are very frequent or severe, the doctor might suggest medicine. […] Stay calm: Try to remain calm during the spell, as your reaction can affect your child. […] Go to the nearest emergency department if your child: Has frequent breath holding spells […] Call 999 if your child: Stays unconscious for a long time.
  • #69 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #70 How to Care for Your Child with Breath Holding – Sidra Medicine
    https://www.sidra.org/health-wellness/education-resources/emergency-department-education-material-2/how-to-care-for-your-child-with-breath-holding/
    This leaflet will provide you with information about breath holding in infants, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and home care advice. […] Breath holding is when a young child stops breathing for a short time, usually after crying hard, being scared, or getting hurt. It can be very scary to see, but it usually doesnt cause any long-term harm. It is most common in children aged 6 months to 6 years. […] Most of the time, no treatment is needed. Helping your child stay calm and avoiding known triggers can reduce the number of episodes. Rarely, if the spells are very frequent or severe, the doctor might suggest medicine. […] Stay calm: Try to remain calm during the spell, as your reaction can affect your child. […] Go to the nearest emergency department if your child: Has frequent breath holding spells […] Call 999 if your child: Stays unconscious for a long time.
  • #71
    https://www.columbiapeds.com/medical-conditions/Breath-Holding-Spells
    The spells self-resolve as your child gets older. Parents, family members, child care providers and teachers should be aware of the possibility of a breath-holding spell. In the event that your child begins to „hold” his/her breath, caretakers should recognize the possibility of fainting and work to keep the child safe. […] Parents should be taught how to respond and treat a seizure in the event that it should happen in association with a Breath-Holding Spell. They should activate their local emergency medical system (e.g. Call 911) if their child loses consciousness for greater than 1 minute. […] These spells will not harm your child as long as proper safety precautions are met to avoid trauma during a fall to the ground. There are no known long-term effects.
  • #72 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Breath-Holding-Spells-in-Children.aspx
    Breath-holding spells are an involuntary reflex that commonly occurs among children, especially those aged under six years. They occur in around 5% of otherwise healthy children. They are most common during the childs second year of life and are more likely to affect children who have a family history of them. […] Although these spells can be extremely distressing for those observing them, they are not usually caused by an underlying health issue, cannot harm the child and pose no serious health risks. A child usually resumes normal breathing within one minute. […] During a breath-holding spell, the child should be laid on their side and watched. The child should be put in a safe place where they cannot fall or hurt themselves. […] Medical care should be sought in cases of a first breath-holding spell, since they can sometimes indicate another health issue.
  • #73 Breath-Holding Spells (Child)
    https://shannonhealthsystemib.staywellsolutionsonline.com/RelatedItems/82,115804en
    A breath-holding spell can look like a seizure or fainting. Please contact your child’s health care provider immediately to tell them about this event. […] Follow up with your child’s provider or as advised. Talk to your child’s provider if tantrums or breath-holding episodes become longer or more frequent or intense. […] Contact your child’s health care provider right away if any of these take place: Breath-holding spells become worse, longer, or different than usual. […] Call 911 if: Your child has trouble breathing or stops breathing.
  • #74 Breath-Holding – Kids Plus Pediatrics
    https://www.kidsplus.com/parent-resources/doctors-notes/breath-holding/
    Breath-holding spells appear quite terrifying to parents when they occur, they do not pose any severe health risk. […] Children generally outgrow breath holding spells by the age of 5-6 years. […] If your child is standing and a breath-holding spell occurs, help her to the floor safety and lay her on her side as you wait for her to regain consciousness. […] It’s important to act normally after your child has recovered. […] It’s important not to give in to your child to stop these events, as he may begin to voluntarily hold his breath to help aid in getting the outcome he desires. […] If the attacks become frequent – more than once a day or several times per week. […] If the episode lasts longer than a few minutes and is followed with a period of drowsiness and confusion. […] If your child becomes pale or has a loss of consciousness for no specific reason.
  • #75 Breath Holding Spells – Pediatrician in {Cincinnati}, {OH} | {West Side Pediatrics}
    https://wspcincy.com/breath-holding-spells
    Breath-holding spells were diagnosed by your child’s doctor. […] Many young children hold their breath when upset, turn blue, but don’t pass out. This is common and normal. […] 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). […] During the spell, have your child lie down. […] This will increase blood flow to the brain. […] Don’t give in to her before or after the attack. […] Kids outgrow them by age 6. […] Call your doctor if spells become more frequent.
  • #76 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Thankfully, the prognosis is excellent, and these spells usually resolve by age 6 and do not affect the child’s subsequent neurological development. […] Breath-holding spells are a common problem in the pediatric population, with a frequency of up to 5% of children. Most breath-holding spells occur before the child turns 18 months old and generally resolve by age 6. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and do not result in brain damage. Neurologic development outcome, if already normal, will remain normal. Most children will no longer have the episodes by age 6. […] Parents should be educated on handling the events and receive reassurance that breath-holding spells have no long-term effects. Given some parental stress levels associated with these episodes, parents may also benefit from a counselor if these episodes create stress and affect family dynamics. In addition, parents should receive assistance to cope with the stress and should be educated about discipline techniques.
  • #77 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    It is important to reassure and counsel parents. They should understand the benign nature of these spells. […] No long-term neurological or health issues occur as a consequence of having breath-holding spells in childhood. […] There is not an increased risk of having epileptic seizures associated with breath-holding spells. This is true even if the child shows convulsive movements during the spell. […] Overall, outlook is excellent for both types of breath-holding spells.
  • #78 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Breath-Holding-Spells-in-Children.aspx
    Parents should also visit a doctor if either of the following apply: The spells are very frequent (more than once a day). This may still be normal, but a child experiencing frequent spells should be checked by a doctor. […] Breath-holding spells disappear by time a child turns 4 years in around 50% of cases and by the time they are aged 8 in 83% of cases.
  • #79 Breath holding
    https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Breath_holding/?hc_location=ufi
    While a breath-holding spell is frightening to see, breath holding is not a medical emergency. It is not harmful, and your child will start breathing again on their own. You can care for your child at home during and after a spell. […] No treatment is needed and your child will start breathing and recover by themselves. […] After a spell, treat your child as normally as possible. […] Breath holding is not caused by a health problem and will not harm your child.
  • #80 Breath holding
    https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Breath_holding/?hc_location=ufi
    Breath holding is common, especially in children aged six months to six years old. When your child holds their breath, it is often called a spell. Breath-holding spells can happen after your child has had a fright or a minor accident, or when they are scolded, frustrated or very upset. […] Breath holding is frightening and distressing for parents and witnesses. It is important to remember the spell is not harmful and your child will start breathing again on their own. […] Most children who have breath-holding spells will have their first spell before they are 18 months old, and most children grow out of breath holding by the time they are six years old. Children who breath hold will usually have one to six spells per week, but up to 25 percent of children who breath hold will have multiple spells each day.
  • #81 Breath-holding spells in children | Raising Children Network
    https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/behaviour/common-concerns/breath-holding
    Breath-holding usually happens when babies or children: […] Children cry, then catch their breath and hold it without breathing. They dont do it on purpose even if it looks like theyre holding their breath as part of an extreme tantrum. […] Breath-holding spells usually end within 30-60 seconds, when children stop holding their breath and start to cry or scream. In some cases, children hold their breath until they lose consciousness. […] Breath-holding spells can happen as often as several times a day or as rarely as once a year. […] Children as young as 6 months can have breath-holding spells, but breath-holding is most common in children aged 1-2 years. Most children stop doing it by the time theyre 6 years old. […] Its natural to feel scared and even to panic the first time your child has a breath-holding spell, especially if youve never heard of breath-holding before. It might help to know that breath-holding doesnt cause long-term damage or have any harmful effects on the brain.
  • #82 What Are Breath-Holding Spells in Kids? | Children’s Hospital Colorado
    https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/breath-holding-spells/
    Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary and overwhelming. These spells occur in about 5% of healthy children, and about 20% to 33% of children with breath-holding spells have a family history of them. […] A breath-holding spell is when your child or baby holds their breath for long enough that they temporarily stop breathing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. You might notice a child get blue lips or face right before passing out during a breath-holding spell. […] It is important to know that this is something a child cant control, and you cant prevent them from occurring. They will only occur when your child is awake and do not occur during sleep. […] Most spells only last 10 to 60 seconds. […] You can help keep your child safe when they have a breath-holding spell by following these steps: Help your child lie flat on their side during a spell. Stay with them until the spell ends and they start breathing again. Make sure there isnt anything around your child that they could hit their heads, arms or legs on. Do not put anything in your childs mouth because it could make them choke or vomit. Try to remain calm. The spell should last less than 1 minute. Call 911 if your child is not breathing for more than 1 minute, as this could indicate something else is going on that might require immediate medical attention, such as choking or a seizure.
  • #83 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Breath-holding spells may be benign, but they can be highly distressing for caretakers; therefore, reassurance and proper explanation are the treatment’s mainstay. Underlying medical causes should be addressed, and treatment options should be considered if these spells interfere with patients’ or parents’ regular daily activities.
  • #84 Baby Breath Holding: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outlook
    https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/baby-holding-breath
    You may find yourself breathless when you see your baby holding their breath until they turn blue. Chances are that they are just fine, though! […] If your baby is holding your breath, youll want to make sure that theyre in a safe position, nothing is placed in their mouth, and they get any medical attention needed.
  • #85 How Nurse Triage Can Help Parents Understand and Manage Pediatric Breath-Holding
    https://triagelogic.com/how-nurse-triage-can-help-parents-understand-and-manage-pediatric-breath-holding/
    While pediatric breath-holding is a largely benign behavior, it can be distressing for parents to witness their child turn blue or pale, or even lose consciousness. Here are some general guidelines they can follow on how to respond to these episodes. […] Seek Medical Advice. Persistent or severe episodes, including seizures, may warrant medical attention. This is where triage nurses can better advise parents and caregivers on which providers they should speak with for diagnoses and care plans. […] Triage nurses respond to patient phone requests by evaluating their symptoms and advising them on where to seek treatment. These evaluations are performed using Schmitt-Thompson triage protocols. Triage protocols cover a wide range of pediatric health concerns, and offer a standardized and efficient approach to addressing them including breath-holding episodes. […] Understanding its triggers and management strategies will help protect children who are affected. TriageLogics Nurse Triage On Call service, coupled with Schmitt-Thompson pediatric protocols, can give your practice the resources it needs to address this condition.
  • #86 Breath-Holding Spells – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539782/
    Thankfully, the prognosis is excellent, and these spells usually resolve by age 6 and do not affect the child’s subsequent neurological development. […] Breath-holding spells are a common problem in the pediatric population, with a frequency of up to 5% of children. Most breath-holding spells occur before the child turns 18 months old and generally resolve by age 6. […] Breath-holding spells are not harmful and do not result in brain damage. Neurologic development outcome, if already normal, will remain normal. Most children will no longer have the episodes by age 6. […] Parents should be educated on handling the events and receive reassurance that breath-holding spells have no long-term effects. Given some parental stress levels associated with these episodes, parents may also benefit from a counselor if these episodes create stress and affect family dynamics. In addition, parents should receive assistance to cope with the stress and should be educated about discipline techniques.
  • #87 Breath-Holding Spells – Child Neurology Foundation
    https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/breath-holding-spells/
    It is important to reassure and counsel parents. They should understand the benign nature of these spells. […] No long-term neurological or health issues occur as a consequence of having breath-holding spells in childhood. […] There is not an increased risk of having epileptic seizures associated with breath-holding spells. This is true even if the child shows convulsive movements during the spell. […] Overall, outlook is excellent for both types of breath-holding spells.
  • #88 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Breath-Holding-Spells-in-Children.aspx
    Parents should also visit a doctor if either of the following apply: The spells are very frequent (more than once a day). This may still be normal, but a child experiencing frequent spells should be checked by a doctor. […] Breath-holding spells disappear by time a child turns 4 years in around 50% of cases and by the time they are aged 8 in 83% of cases.