Breathholding

What is a breathholding spell?

A breathholding spell can be very frightening and upsetting for parents to witness. The child will hold his/her breath, turn blue and pass out. About 5% of children will have breathholding spells as a part of their tantrums. The spell is usually preceded by a perceived upsetting event to the toddler such as being angry about limit-setting, being scared or being injured (falling down or bumping the head).  The spell always occurs while the child is awake and never asleep.

What does a breathholding spell look like?

The child cries out 1 or 2 times then holds his breath in expiration until the lips and face become blue. He/she then passes out and often becomes stiff or rigid. 1/3 of children will have a few twitches or muscle jerks. The child then resumes normal breathing in <1 minute and becomes fully alert in <2 minutes.

At what age is my child more likely to have a breathholding spell?

The onset is between 6 months and 2 years of age. The spells usually stop by age 5.

What causes a breathholding spell?

An involuntary reflex that allows some children to hold their breath long enough to actually pass out.

Should my child have a medical evaluation? 

If you think that the child is having a seizure and not a breathholding spell, call the office immediately.

Your child should be seen in the office if this is the first time for a breathholding spell or if there are muscle jerks as part of the spell for the first time.

CALL 911 NOW IF THERE IS NO BREATHING OR AIR FLOW > 1 MINUTE!

CALL 911 NOW IF YOUR CHILD CONTINUES TO BE WEAK OR UNRESPONSIVE!

CALL 911 NOW IF YOUR CHILD IS UNCONSCIOUS >2 MINUTES!