Breath-holding spells is the brief period when children stop breathing for up to a minute. Children usually lose consciousness during these spells. Breath-holding spells happens when the child is frustrated or angry. This may also happen if the child is in pain or scared. Breath-holding spells occur in children aged between 6 month to 6 years.
Breath-holding spells are reflex actions and it is not a deliberate behavior of the child. These spells are very frightening and at the same time they get resolved spontaneously. The child recovers within 30 to 60 seconds by catching the breath and starting to cry and scream. Sometimes these spells lead to seizures, but they are brief and not harmful.
Categories of Breath-Holding Spells:
Breath-holding spells are of two types, Cyanotic and Pallid. When a child is angry or frustrated Cyanotic Breath-holding spells occur and they are common. A child’s skin turns either red or purple. Pallid breath-holding spells occurs when the child experiences a sudden blow to the head.
Causes:
Breath-holding spells are usually caused when there is a change in the breathing pattern. These spells may be due to iron deficiency anemia, or when the blood does not produce red blood cells
Symptoms:
A child burst out into rigorous crying which lasts for minimum of 30 seconds. Over breathing, a pause during breathing after exhaling, red, blue or purple skin color around the lips are the symptoms of breath-holding spells.
Symptoms of Pallid breath-holding spells include slow heart beat, the skin turns pale and sweating. A child feel sleepy or fatigue after the going through Pallid breath-holding spells.
How to Diagnose:
Breath holding spells are diagnosed by the symptoms observed during the spell. Recording the symptoms will definitely describe the spells more accurately. Iron deficiency and anemia tests should be conducted.
How to Treat:
Breath-holding spells do not have any particular medical treatment. Avoid situations where the child
gets irritated, angry or frustrated and this will help in reducing the number of spells. A child needs plenty of rest and help your child to manage the frustration by making him/her feel safe and secure.
