What Makes Children’S Breath Holding Spells?

Breath-holding spells are a reflex that can occur in children as early as 6 months and may continue until a child is 6 years old. The peak age for breath-holding spells is 2 years. Causes of breath-holding spells include a temper tantrum, the child feeling upset, angry, or frustrated, or a caregiver reprimanding the child. They can run in families and start between 6 months and 2 years of age.

Breath-holding spells are usually involuntary, caused by a slowing of the heart rate or changes in the child’s usual breathing patterns. Sometimes, these spells are brought on by strong emotions such as anger, fear, pain, or frustration. Symptoms include paleness, stoppage of breathing, and a child turning blue when upset.

There are two types of breath-holding spells: cyanotic and pallid. Cyanotic spells are usually triggered by the child being angry or experiencing a sudden shock or pain, or strong emotions like fear, upset, or anger. There are two known types of breath-holding spells: cyanotic and pallid.

The peak age for breath-holding spells in children is 2 years, and they can run in families. Frequent spells can occur in various situations, such as when a child becomes upset or surprised, making a short gasp, exhales, and stops breathing.

Why does my 4 year old keep holding his breath?

Breath-holding is a natural response observed in children, frequently precipitated by a range of stimuli including shock, pain, or intense emotional states such as fear, distress, or anger. The most common types of breath-holding spells include blue breath-holding spells, which alter a child’s breathing pattern, and reflex anoxic seizures, which occur when a child’s heart rate slows down.

How do I get my child to stop 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 does my child have breath-holding spells?

A cyanotic breath-holding spell is a condition where a child’s face turns blue, usually due to anger or frustration. This spell can cause a child to cry hard before the spell, while a pallid spell occurs when the child’s face turns white, often due to startleness or pain. Both types can cause a child to pass out for up to a minute, and in extreme cases, seizures may occur. These spells are most common in healthy children aged 6-18 months and typically occur in families.

How to differentiate between breath-holding spells and seizures?

Breath-holding spells are triggered by a child’s breathing, but true epileptic seizures are not always provoked. They involve a quick return to baseline, a color change, closed or open eyes, and can occur while awake or asleep. The exact mechanism behind these spells is not well understood, but it is believed that a child’s consciousness requires a steady flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, which is interrupted when they hold their breath. This can lead to a child passing out and turning blue. True epileptic seizures can occur while awake or asleep. The exact mechanism of cyanotic breath-holding spells is not fully understood.

Is it normal for a child to pause breathing while sleeping?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where a child stops breathing during sleep due to obstruction in the airway. It is most common in children aged 2-6, but can occur at any age. The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, which are lymph tissue located in the throat and nose. During sleep, muscle tone decreases, affecting the airway and breathing. This leads to a smaller airway, making air flow more difficult and increasing the child’s work to breathe.

Osseopnea can be compared to breathing through a flimsy straw, with occasional collapses blocking airflow. Short pauses in breathing can cause a brief arousal, increasing muscle tone and opening the airway. Repeated disruptions can result in poor sleep and significant daytime problems in children. The child is usually unaware of waking up, and parents often describe them as restless sleepers.

What causes involuntary breath holding?

A breath-holding attack, also known as cyanotic spells, is a common occurrence in healthy children. It can start with crying due to pain, fear, or anger, and can be triggered by frustration or unattainable desires. If a child reacts to sudden pain or upset by not breathing, turning blue or pale, and then fainting, they may have experienced a breath-holding spell. These spells are not harmful and can last until age 8. They are most common in 2-year-olds and come in two types: cyanotic spells, which turn a child’s face blue, and pallid spells, which cause them to become pale.

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.

What is the psychology of breath-holding?

Breath-holding spells are brief periods where young children stop breathing for up to 1 minute, often causing them to lose consciousness. These spells are reflexes and occur when a child is angry, frustrated, in pain, or afraid. Cyanotic spells are caused by changes in the child’s breathing pattern, while pallid spells slow the heart rate in response to pain. Some children may have both types of spells at once. They are not intentionally triggered.

Is it normal for a 5 year old to hold breath while concentrating?

Breath holding, also known as a spell, is a common occurrence in children aged six months to six years old. It occurs after a fright, minor accident, or when a child is upset or frustrated. Parents and witnesses may find it frightening, but it is important to remember that the spell is not harmful and the child will eventually start breathing again. Most children with breath-holding spells have their first spell before 18 months old, and most grow out of it by six years old. They typically have one to six spells per week, with up to 25% having multiple spells daily.

Why does my toddler hold his breath and pass out?

Cyanotic breath-holding spells are the most common type, accounting for about 85 of occurrences, and are often triggered by frustration, anger, fear, or pain. They usually occur when a child is crying and becomes unable to draw a breath, turning bluish around the lips and fainting. They regain consciousness within a minute. Pallid breath-holding spells, often triggered by sudden pain or fright, turn pale, grayish, sweaty, clammy, and lose consciousness. The child’s heart rate slows, and their limbs may twitch and they may urinate on themselves.

If a child experiences a breath-holding spell for the first time, contact their primary care provider. There may be a correlation with iron-deficiency anemia, so the provider may check the blood count. It is important to rule out other more serious conditions that may mimic breath-holding spells.

A child who has passed out should be laid flat, not shaken or slapped, and their mouth should be clear. Sometimes 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.

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.