The Frequency Of Breath-Holding Spells?

Breath-holding spells are a common benign phenomenon that affect up to 5 of children, often triggered by anger or frustration. These spells can be frightening and occur in children between 6 months and 6 years old. There are two types: cyanotic and pallid. Cyanotic spells involve a child holding their breath, turning flushed or pale in the face, or losing consciousness. Pallid spells cause a child to become pale and lose consciousness.

There are two known types of breath-holding spells: cyanotic and pallid. Cyanotic spells occur when facial cyanosis is noticed after a child’s first few years of life. Both types may occur in the first year of life, with one to six spells per week. Up to 25% of children who breath hold will have multiple spells each day.

Breath-holding spells are more common in children with genetic conditions like Riley-Day syndrome or Rett syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, or a family history of breathing disorders. They are most common from 1 to 3 years of age and can be experienced daily or occasionally.

The etiopathogenesis of breath-holding spells is likely to be due to anger or frustration. The onset of breath-holding spells is usually between 6 and 18 months of age, with the peak age occurring in 5 of healthy children. Breath-holding spells can run in families and can be experienced by children who are not intentionally holding their breath.

How to avoid breath-holding spells?

During a spell, ensure your child is in a safe place and use a cold cloth on their forehead to shorten the episode. After the spell, maintain calmness and avoid giving too much attention to the child, as this can reinforce the spell’s behavior. Avoid situations that cause temper tantrums to reduce the number of spells. Ignore breath-holding spells that do not cause a fainting spell, as most children outgrow them by age 4-8. Children who have a seizure during a spell are not at higher risk for seizures elsewhere.

What is the prognosis for breath-holding spells?

Breath-holding spells are a common occurrence in children with no underlying health issues, typically manifesting in the first year of life and reaching their peak prevalence at age two. The condition typically dissipates by the age of four in 50 children and by the age of eight in 83, with a small percentage of cases continuing into adulthood.

Is it normal for babies to hold their breath until they pass out?

Breath-holding spells are an abnormal reflex in children, allowing them to hold their breath long enough to pass out without causing any harm. These spells are common in young infants and typically outgrow by the age of 4 or 5. They are not dangerous and do not lead to epilepsy or brain damage. To care for a child during a breath-holding spell, lie them flat, use a cold, wet washcloth on their forehead, and avoid placing anything in their mouth to prevent choking or vomiting.

What age do breath-holding spells peak?

Breath-holding spells are a reflex that occur in children as early as 6 months and can continue until they are 2 years old. These spells are not a conscious choice or behavior issue, and typically last one or two minutes from beginning to end. Children who lose consciousness from a breath-holding spell usually wake up after less than a minute, but may need reassurance upon awakening. Parents may observe these spells longer than they actually are, but they are not a cause for concern.

What is an impressive breath-holding time?

Divers and extreme breath holders inhale pure oxygen before holding their breath, with the longest being 11 minutes and 34 seconds. Most people can safely hold their breath for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on their body and genetics. It’s advised not to attempt for longer than 2 minutes, especially underwater. Animal studies suggest holding breath may help regenerate damaged brain tissue and lower inflammation. Some breathing techniques, including holding your breath, may also help.

Are breath-holding spells linked to autism?

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a way to prevent breath holding episodes associated with Rett syndrome, a developmental disorder affecting around 1 in10, 000 young girls. The disorder, which includes repetitive hand movements, digestive and bowel problems, seizures, learning disability, and social withdrawal, is a debilitating disease. The researchers used a unique combination of drugs to find that the area of the brain that allows breathing to persist without interruption has reduced levels of a transmitter substance called aminobutyric acid. This could help prevent the potentially fatal breath holding episodes associated with Rett syndrome.

How common are breath-holding spells in babies?

Breath-holding spells are a common and frightening experience for children, affecting up to 5 of them. They can be cyanotic or pallid, with the cyanotic type causing the child to hold their breath until their face turns purple or blue. The pallid type is associated with a sudden scare and can last up to a minute before the child recovers completely. These spells occur in children with normal neurological exams and meet age-appropriate developmental milestones.

They can cause the child to lose consciousness and even cause a seizure. The frequency of these episodes can be decreased by distracting the child, avoiding emotional triggers, and providing psychosocial help. It is important to rule out conditions like iron deficiency anemia and long QT syndrome when assessing a child. Fortunately, the prognosis is excellent, and these spells usually resolve by age 6 without affecting the child’s neurological development.

What are breath-holding spells linked to?

Breath-holding spells are more common in children with genetic conditions like Riley-Day syndrome or Rett syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, or a family history of similar spells. They occur when a child becomes upset or surprised, making a short gasp, exhales, and stops breathing. The nervous system slows the heart rate or breathing for a short time. Symptoms can include blue or pale skin, crying, loss of alertness, and jerky movements. Breath-holding spells are not considered willful acts of defiance, but often occur with temper tantrums.

Are breath-holding spells seizures?

Breath-holding spells are short periods of time when a child stops breathing, often mistaken for seizures. These spells are common in neurologically healthy toddlers, typically occurring between 12 and 18 months old. There are two types of breath-holding spells, which can occur in the same child at different times and are defined by the child’s color during the spell. About 1 in 25 children experience this condition during their first few years of life.

Are breath-holding spells neurological?

Breath-holding spells, which affect up to 5 of all infants, are benign but can be frightening for children and caregivers. They occur in children with benign neurological findings and those meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones. These episodes usually follow an inciting event, such as discipline, anger, or irritability, followed by crying and breath-holding, resulting in loss of consciousness. Distracting the child and avoiding triggers can reduce these episodes.

Understanding the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of breath-holding spells is essential to rule out other pathological conditions. This activity reviews the evaluation of breath-holding episodes and the interprofessional team’s role in managing this condition and educating parents.

Is the breath-holding spell fatal?

The occurrence of breath-holding spells is precipitated by painful or emotionally distressing events, resulting in a constellation of symptoms including pallor, respiratory arrest, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Despite their dramatic nature, these spells are not dangerous. It is possible to prevent tantrums by providing the child with an alternative activity and avoiding situations that may precipitate a reaction.