What Are Breath-Holding Spells?
Breath-holding spells are episodes in which a child stops breathing, usually after being upset, frightened, or in pain. These spells can be frightening for parents to witness, but they're usually harmless and most children outgrow them.
Breath-holding spells typically occur in children between 6 months and 6 years of age, with most cases occurring between 1 and 3 years. While alarming to watch, these spells are involuntary and the child will resume breathing on their own.
Types of Breath-Holding Spells
Cyanotic (Blue) Spells
The most common type:
- • Usually triggered by anger or frustration
- • Child cries, then holds breath
- • Face turns blue or purple
- • May lose consciousness briefly
- • Usually lasts less than a minute
Pallid (Pale) Spells
Less common type:
- • Usually triggered by pain or fear
- • Child becomes pale
- • May lose consciousness
- • May be related to a reflex that slows the heart
- • Usually brief
What Happens During a Breath-Holding Spell?
During a breath-holding spell:
- Child becomes upset, frightened, or in pain
- Child cries or screams
- Child exhales and then doesn't take another breath
- Face may turn blue (cyanotic) or pale (pallid)
- Child may lose consciousness briefly
- Child may have brief muscle stiffness or jerking
- Child resumes breathing and regains consciousness
- Spell usually lasts less than a minute
After the spell, the child usually returns to normal quickly, though they may be tired or sleepy.
Are Breath-Holding Spells Dangerous?
Breath-holding spells are usually not dangerous:
- • Children will resume breathing on their own
- • The body's reflexes prevent serious harm
- • Most children outgrow them by age 4-6
- • They don't cause brain damage
- • They're not related to epilepsy or seizures
However, if your child has frequent or severe spells, or if you're concerned, it's important to discuss them with your pediatrician to rule out other conditions.
How to Handle Breath-Holding Spells
Stay Calm
While frightening to watch, try to stay calm. The spell will pass on its own. Your calm response helps prevent additional stress.
Ensure Safety
- • Lay your child on their side if they lose consciousness
- • Make sure they're in a safe place
- • Remove any objects that could cause injury
- • Don't shake or slap your child
Don't Try to Force Breathing
Don't try to force your child to breathe or blow in their face. The body will resume breathing automatically. Intervening may actually prolong the spell.
After the Spell
- • Comfort your child once they're conscious
- • Don't give in to whatever triggered the spell
- • Stay calm and reassuring
- • Let them rest if they're tired
Prevention Strategies
Avoid Triggers When Possible
- • Try to prevent situations that trigger spells
- • Distract your child before they become very upset
- • Address needs before they escalate
- • However, don't give in to unreasonable demands
Maintain Routines
Consistent routines can help reduce stress and prevent some triggers. Ensure your child is well-rested and fed.
Don't Give In
While it's tempting to give in to prevent a spell, this teaches children that breath-holding gets them what they want. Stay consistent with your limits and rules.
When to See a Doctor
While breath-holding spells are usually harmless, see your pediatrician if:
- • Spells are very frequent (multiple times per day)
- • Spells last longer than a minute
- • Your child has other concerning symptoms
- • Spells continue after age 6
- • You're concerned about your child's health
- • Spells seem different from typical breath-holding spells
Your pediatrician can evaluate your child to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions and provide reassurance and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are breath-holding spells the same as seizures?
A: No, breath-holding spells are not seizures. They're involuntary responses to emotional triggers. However, during a spell, a child may have brief muscle stiffness or jerking that can look like a seizure. Your pediatrician can help distinguish between breath-holding spells and seizures if you're concerned.
Q: Will my child outgrow breath-holding spells?
A: Yes, most children outgrow breath-holding spells by age 4-6. They typically decrease in frequency and severity as children get older and develop better emotional regulation skills. If spells continue beyond age 6, discuss with your pediatrician.
Q: Should I give in to prevent a breath-holding spell?
A: No, giving in teaches children that breath-holding gets them what they want, which can make spells more frequent. Stay consistent with your limits and rules. While spells are frightening, they're not dangerous, and your child will resume breathing on their own.
Q: Can breath-holding spells cause brain damage?
A: No, breath-holding spells do not cause brain damage. The body's reflexes prevent serious harm, and children resume breathing automatically. The brief loss of consciousness is not harmful. However, if you have concerns, discuss them with your pediatrician.
Key Takeaways
Stay Calm
Spells are usually harmless and pass quickly
Ensure Safety
Lay child on side if they lose consciousness
Most Outgrow
Children typically outgrow spells by age 4-6
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. While breath-holding spells are usually harmless, if you're concerned about your child's spells, if they're very frequent or severe, or if you're unsure whether your child is having breath-holding spells or something else, consult with your pediatrician for evaluation and guidance.