What Makes Babies Have Bouts Of Holding Their Breath?

Breath-holding spells are frightening but innocuous episodic events that can affect infants and young children. They often involve a child holding their breath, turning flushed or pale in the face, or losing consciousness. Causes of breath-holding include sudden shock or pain, or strong emotions like fear, upset, or anger. Breath-holding spells can occur after a fright, minor accident, or when a child is scolded.

There are two clinical types of breath-holding spells: cyanotic and pallid. Cyanotic spells are usually triggered by frustration, anger, fear, or pain, while pallid spells are caused by the child being startled or in pain. Breath-holding spells are usually involuntary, caused by a slowing of the heart rate or changes in the child’s usual breathing patterns.

Breath-holding spells are usually triggered by a change in the child’s breathing or a slowing of the heart rate. These reactions may be brought on by pain. Breath-holding spells most often occur when a child becomes suddenly upset or surprised, making a short gasp, exhales, and stops breathing.

The causes of breath-holding spells include crying in reaction to pain, fear, or anger, as well as a reflex response to strong feelings. Iron-deficiency anemia may cause breath-holding spells, and treating the anemia may help reduce the number of spells.

In summary, breath-holding spells are frightening but innocuous episodic events that can affect infants and young children. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sudden shock or pain, strong emotions, or a reflex response to strong feelings. It is important to rule out other more serious conditions that may mimic breath-holding spells and seek medical attention if necessary.

When should I be concerned about a holding breath spell?

If your child experiences a breath-holding spell, it is crucial to contact your primary care provider as it may be linked to iron-deficiency anemia. They should check the blood count and rule out other serious conditions that may mimic breath-holding spells. Lay the child flat to allow blood to return to the brain. Avoid shaking or slapping the child, and ensure their mouth is clear. Blowing hard on the child’s face can help prevent or end an episode.

Placing a cold, wet cloth on the child’s face can sometimes interrupt or shorten an episode. If the child doesn’t respond after two minutes, call 911 as it may not be a breath-holding spell. The parent’s best response is to remain calm, recognize the child isn’t doing it on purpose, and offer reassurance. Discuss the problem with the child’s primary care provider.

How to stop a baby from holding their breath?

Breath-holding is a condition where a child stops breathing for up to one minute and may faint. It can occur when a child is frightened, upset, angry, or has a sudden shock or pain. It is usually harmless but can be scary for parents, particularly when it happens for the first time. Symptoms of breath-holding include a fainting child, stiffness, shaking, or jerking, and sudden changes in the child’s lips, tongue, face, or skin.

These symptoms could be symptoms of breath-holding or related to other more serious conditions. It is essential to stay calm, lie the child on their side, and stay with them until the episode ends. Reassurance and rest are crucial after an episode.

What causes a baby to hold their breath?

Breath-holding is a condition where a baby or child stops breathing for up to 1 minute and may faint. This can occur due to fear, upset, anger, or sudden shock or pain. Parents may experience fear when their child faints and cannot be woken up, and may also notice their lips, tongue, face, or skin turning pale, blue, or grey. These symptoms could be symptoms of breath-holding or related to other serious conditions. Breath-holding is usually harmless but can be frightening for parents, especially when the child is new to the situation.

Are breath-holding spells linked to autism?

Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a potentially fatal respiratory phenomenon associated with Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder on the autism spectrum.

How do you treat breath-holding spells?

Breath-holding spells are a common condition in children, often causing fear and discomfort. Parents should ensure their child is in a safe place during the spell, cover their forehead with a cold cloth, and remain calm afterward. Avoiding situations that cause temper tantrums can help reduce the number of spells. Ignoring breath-holding spells that do not cause fainting is also helpful. Most children outgrow breath-holding spells by the age of 4 to 8 years old. Iron drops or pills may be given if the child has an iron deficiency.

Why does my baby keep making noises like she can t breathe?

Laryngomalacia is a condition where a baby’s soft and floppy larynx temporarily blocks the baby’s airway during breathing. It typically improves by the age of one year. Symptoms include a harsh, squeaky sound called stridor, which can start as soon as the baby is born or in the first few weeks after birth. Symptoms usually worsen over several months. Most babies with laryngomalacia do not have trouble breathing or feeding, but their breathing becomes louder when the baby is crying, feeding, sleeping, lying down, or has an upper respiratory infection.

Why is my baby clenching and holding breath?

Breath holding affects 0. 1 to 4. 6 of healthy young children, typically occurring between 6 and 18 months of age. It can be triggered by sudden shock or pain, strong emotions like anger, sadness, or fear, or by autonomic nervous system dysregulation, vagally mediated cardiac inhibition, delayed myelination of the brain stem, or iron deficiency anemia. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat, blood pressure, and body temperature, and if it’s not fully developed, it can lead to episodes where the heartbeat or breathing slows.

The vagus nerve, a large chest nerve, can also affect the heartbeat and contribute to breath holding episodes. Delayed myelination of the brain stem and iron deficiency anemia can also contribute to breath holding.

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.

How do I stop my baby from holding his breath?

Breath-holding is a common behavioral response in children when they are experiencing distress or pain, and it is not an intentional action. It is crucial to remain composed during a breath-holding episode and refrain from attempting to prompt the child to resume breathing. Such episodes typically conclude within approximately one minute. However, it is advisable to consult with a medical professional to ascertain whether breath-holding is indicative of a more significant underlying issue.

Why is my baby tensing up and holding his breath?

A breath-holding spell is a condition where a child holds their breath after experiencing anger, frustration, startleness, or pain. It can sometimes lead to the child passing out, but it is generally harmless and usually lasts less than a minute. There are two types of breath-holding spells: cyanotic, which causes the child’s face to turn blue and cause them to cry hard, and pallid, which causes the child’s face to turn white and cause them to cry or not at all before the spell.