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Health Information For Parents
Many of us have heard stories about stubborn or willful toddlers who hold their breath until they turn blue in the face. These might sound like amusing “terrible twos” tales, but they’re not funny to the parents of these toddlers. Breath-holding spells can be terrifying for parents because kids often hold their breath until they pass out.
But these spells aren’t intentional — they’re an involuntary reflex, which means kids have no control over them. Although they’re upsetting to watch, breath-holding spells aren’t harmful and pose no serious health risks. A spell typically lasts less than a minute before a child starts breathing normally again.
Breath-holding spells can happen in healthy children between 6 months and 6 years old, but are most common during the second year of life. They can be more common in kids with a family history of them.
In most cases, breath-holding spells can be predicted and even prevented once triggers are identified. Kids usually outgrow them by age 5 or 6.
Breath-holding spells differ by cause and characteristics:
Both types of spells cause kids to stop breathing and sometimes lose consciousness for up to a minute. In the most extreme cases, kids might have seizures. Having a seizure does not cause any long-term harm or put a child at risk of developing a seizure disorder.
Most of the time, you don’t need to do anything during a breath-holding spell. Your child should stay lying down until the spell is over.
If your child passes out for a brief time, stay calm and:
Kids with breath-holding spells usually start breathing within a minute.
Call 911 if your child remains blue or is not breathing for longer than a minute.
If this is your child’s first breath-holding spell, get medical care. Although breath-holding spells aren’t harmful, it’s good to get your child checked out. A doctor can determine whether it was in fact a breath-holding spell or another medical condition that looks like one.
These spells are an involuntary response to strong emotions (like being angry, scared, or frustrated) and tend to happen in healthy children. Because they’re involuntary (not done on purpose), they’re not a behavioral problem. A doctor can help parents understand what triggers a spell in their child, how to prevent future spells, and how to deal with them if they do happen.
Sometimes, iron deficiency anemia might cause kids to have breath-holding spells. So a doctor might do a blood test to check for anemia. Treating the anemia may help reduce the number of the spells.
Once kids mature and develop better coping skills, they usually outgrow breath-holding spells. But in the meantime, parents can face a challenge greater than witnessing the spells themselves: finding ways to discipline their child that won’t trigger another spell.
Your doctor can work with you to help you find coping strategies for you and your child. Try not to give in to tantrums and stubborn behavior — young kids need limits and guidelines to help them stay safe and become well-adjusted emotionally.
With experience, courage, and your doctor’s help, you can learn to cope with breath-holding spells while providing a safe and structured environment until your child outgrows them.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Controlling outbursts can be difficult for kids – and helping them learn to do so is a tough job for the parents who love them. But just about every child can improve with the right coaching.
It’s important to be consistent about discipline. If you don’t stick to the rules and consequences, kids aren’t likely to either. Find out how to vary your approach to fit your family.
Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.
Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. Get the facts on managing – and preventing – temper tantrums.
Teary and tantrum-filled goodbyes are common with separation anxiety, which is a perfectly normal part of childhood development.