Why does my toddler hold his breath when crying?
Cyanotic breath-holding spells are usually caused by anger or frustration. If the child’s face turns white, it’s called pallid breath-holding spell. The child may cry a little bit or not at all before having the spell. Pallid breath-holding spells are usually caused by the child being startled or in pain.
Is it normal for babies to hold their breath when crying?
Breath-holding is when a baby or child stops breathing for up to 1 minute and may faint. It can happen when a child is frightened, upset, angry, or has a sudden shock or pain. It’s usually harmless but can be scary for parents, particularly when it happens for the first time.
Why does my baby hold his breath when upset?
Breath holding is usually involuntary, and is caused by a slowing of the heart rate or changes in your child’s usual breathing patterns. Sometimes breath-holding spells are brought on by strong emotions such as anger, fear, pain or frustration.
What do you do when a child holds their breath while crying?
Breath-holding
- Children might hold their breath when they’re upset or hurt. They don’t do it on purpose.
- Stay calm during a breath-holding spell. Don’t try to make your child breathe.
- Breath-holding spells usually end within a minute.
- See a doctor to make sure breath-holding isn’t a sign of something more serious.
Why does my 1 year old hold her breath when she cries?
Cyanotic breath-holding spells: This is the most common type of breath-holding spell, accounting for about 85% of occurrences. The cyanotic spell is often a response to frustration, anger, fear, or pain. It usually occurs when the child is crying and becomes unable to draw a breath.
What is breath-holding syndrome?
A breath-holding spell is a benign paroxysmal nonepileptic disorder occurring in healthy children 6 to 48 months of age. The episodes start with a provocation such as emotional upset or minor injury, and might progress to breath holding, cyanosis, and syncope.
What is holding breath syndrome?
How do you treat breath-holding spells?
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.
Can a toddler pass out from crying?
Young children, when faced with an upsetting situation or sudden pain, can hold their breath, causing them to turn bluish or pale, and pass out. Although this is alarming to parents, breath-holding spells are generally not harmful.
When should I be concerned about a holding breath spell?
Your child may stop breathing for up to 1 minute (60 seconds) during a spell. If your child doesn’t wake up quickly and start breathing again, call 911 or other emergency services.
How common is breath-holding spells?
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 are a reflex, that is the body’s automatic response to distress.
Can breath-holding spells cause brain damage?
The good news is that breath-holding spells usually go away after age 5. They won’t cause brain damage or other problems. And they don’t make your child more likely to have health problems later in life.