Holding Breath Spells in Newborns and Infants

A Breath-Holding Spell is a type of spell.

An episode of holding breath spells occurs when a child holds their breath for a prolonged period, frequently resulting from feeling angry, upset, frightened, or otherwise distressed. The youngster may pass out due to the child holding their breath.

It might be scary, but they aren’t dangerous and often last less than a minute. Without any treatment, children outgrow the spells.

What Are Breath-Holding Spells There?

Breath-holding spells can be divided into two categories:

  • A cyanotic breath-holding spell occurs if the child’s face becomes blue while they are holding their breath. The spell usually occurs after a period of intense crying on the part of the youngster in question. Anger or annoyance is a common trigger for cyanotic the occurence.
  • There’s a term for a pale breath-holding spell when a child’s face turns white from holding their breath. Before the spell, the youngster may cry a little or not. When a youngster has pale breath-holding spells, they are usually shocked or in pain.

Both sorts of spells can put children out of their minds for up to a minute. In the most extreme circumstances, children may experience seizures. Children who have a seizure are not at risk for developing a seizure disorder in adulthood.

Six-months-to-six-year-old healthy youngsters are more prone to having breath-holding spells. Children between the ages of six and eighteen months are particularly susceptible, and they tend to run in families.

Breath-Holding Spells: What’s causing them?

Breathing-holding periods aren’t something children consciously do. They are out of their control.

The specific reason for breath-holding spells is unknown by doctors. Anemia due to iron deficiency is one possibility. It is possible to lessen the number of spells by treating the anemia.

My Child Has a Breath-Holding Spell. What Should I Do?

First-time breath-holding spells should be reported to a doctor. Getting your youngster checked out is a good idea, even if the spells aren’t harmful.

Breath-holding is a common occurrence in children.

  • If you’re using a crib or a floor mat, make sure your youngster is in it.
  • Do not allow your youngster to come into contact with anything hard or sharp.
  • Keep an eye on your child.

As soon as your youngster passes out:

  • Assuring yourself that your child is safe will help you remain calm.
  • Keep an eye out for any food or anything that can cause choking.
  • Immediately dial 911 if your child is still blue or not breathing after a minute.

What happens when you’ve held your breath?

  • Be sure to reassure your youngster that nothing is wrong and that they are not to blame for the spell’s effects.

Is There a Way to Prevent Breath-Holding Spells?

Your doctor can help you find measures to reduce the frequency of your child’s episodes of hysteria. If your child goes into a breath-holding phase after they cry, you may be able to calm them down. It’s possible, for instance:

  • Don’t let your child get hungry or exhausted.
  • Discipline should be conducted calmly.

When your child has an evil spell, it might be unpleasant to watch, but don’t succumb to their tantrums or irrational conduct to avoid one altogether. If you need advice on punishing your child, see your doctor.

Remind yourself that your child will outgrow the breath-holding spells. You can find ways to cope with the spells by talking to a mental health expert.

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