Breath-Holding Spells (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth (2024)

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Breath-Holding Spells (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth? ›

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 aren't harmful and usually last less than a minute.

There are no drugs or other treatments for these spells. Some studies suggest that anemia, or low levels of red blood cells, may be a culprit and that iron supplements may help. But more research is needed. The best thing to do is let your child lie on their side while they're out.

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 can run in families. Starts between 6 months and 2 years of age. Goes away by age 6. Many young children hold their breath when upset, turn blue, but don't pass out.

Breath-holding spells are a well described phenomenon¹ known to occur mostly among children 6 to 18 months of age. Some reports suggest that these episodes can occur even later in childhood, up to 4 years of age. Almost 5% of the pediatric population might demonstrate such episodes.

It can be frightening to watch a breath-holding spell, but they aren't harmful and usually last less than a minute. Kids outgrow the spells without any treatment.

Breath-holding spells most often occur when a child becomes suddenly upset or surprised. The child makes a short gasp, exhales, and stops breathing. The child's nervous system slows the heart rate or breathing for a short amount of time.

Researchers have sequestered the potentially fatal breath holding episodes associated with the autistic-spectrum disorder Rett syndrome. A group of researchers at the University of Bristol have sequestered the potentially fatal breath holding episodes associated with the autistic-spectrum disorder Rett syndrome.

There's a new topic of research on the possible link between ADHD symptoms and breathing issues in children. "I think what we're discovering now is that some ADHD diagnoses may be actually be driven by the fact that a child can't breathe properly," says Roanoke dentist Dr. Paul Henny. Dr.

Some children also have seizures during breath-holding spells. This does not mean they have a seizure disorder. Seizures are different from mild twitching, and they may cause a child to vomit or pass urine. They are more likely to occur in children who have long periods of breath-holding.

Is breath-holding a trauma response? ›

Breath-holding spells often happen after a trauma or an emotional upset. They occur most often in children under age 3.

Since breath-holding spells do not have any long-term effects, parents should be advised to minimize their attention to the episodes to keep the child from developing behavioral problems.

Breath-holding spells are more common in children with: Genetic conditions, such as Riley-Day syndrome or Rett syndrome. Iron deficiency anemia. A family history of breath-holding spells (parents may have had similar spells when they were children)

Parents can make them more comfortable using a cool-mist humidifier or taking them outside into cool air, a particularly useful strategy for relieving the labored breathing of croup, Dr. Pickens says. It also may be easier for them to breathe sitting up than lying down.

Breath-holding spells (BHS) are the occurrence of episodic apnea in children, possibly associated with loss of consciousness, and changes in postural tone. Breath-holding spells occur in approximately 5% of the population with equal distribution between males and females.

Contract your belly fully, exhaling until you are completely empty. Do this 20 times (an inhale and exhale equals one rep). “When you move your breath toward the bottom part of your body, you'll actually feel relieved,” Vranich says.