Breath Holding Spells in Children

They’re frightening to watch, but a surprisingly common problem among infants and young children. Breath holding spells can make even the calmest of parents panic. This phenomenon is seen in infants as young as three months of age, and usually make their appearance during the first year of life. Infant breath holding affects up to one in twenty children, but, fortunately, these frightening episodes disappear in most children by the age of six. These spells can happen up to several times a day which can be a particular challenge and a source of great anxiety to parents.

What Exactly are Breath Holding Spells?

Holding breath spells are usually brought on by emotion in a child. A child typically becomes upset and rather suddenly and dramatically stops breathing. In extreme cases, a breath holding spell can lead to a brief loss of consciousness which can be quite frightening to the onlooking parents. This brief loss of consciousness usually stimulates the return of normal breathing. At the time of the breath holding spell, the child may become blue in color, and some children will even manifest jerky movements that resemble a seizure.

What Causes Breath Holding Spells in Children?

These events almost always occur when a child is anxious, frightened, or frustrated. The symptoms seem to be a reflex response to an emotional situation and the child has little control over the breath holding. Breath holding spells tend to run in families and may be associated with some medical conditions such as iron deficiency as well as certain genetic disorders. The exact reason why breath holding occurs isn’t known.

How Do You Treat a Child or Infant Breath Holding Spell?

Because a breath holding spell can be difficult to distinguish from a seizure, it’s important that a child be evaluated by a doctor when he or she first experiences an episode. Lab studies should be done to rule out iron deficiency which can sometimes contribute to the symptoms.

During an actual breath holding spell, the main goals are to prevent injury to your child by ensuring that he or she doesn’t fall and to remain calm to avoid contributing to the child’s anxiety. Breathing is usually restored quickly, but if your child shows sustained jerking movements that suggest a seizure, seek medical attention right away.

Children and Infant Breath Holding: The Bottom Line?

Fortunately, this is a condition that’s soon outgrown and leaves no residual deficits. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your child’s particular situation.

It can be frightening when a child holds his breath and loses consciousness. This condition of breath holding spells can be a particular challenge to parents. Find out more about this relatively common disorder.