Breath-Holding Spells
What are breath-holding spells?
Breath-holding spells are when children hold their breath, faint for a very short time, and then wake up and are fine.
Breath-holding spells are common, but most children have only a few.
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Children aren't holding their breath on purpose
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Spells often happen right after something scary, upsetting, or painful
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Breath-holding spells usually happen between about age 1 year and 5 years but can happen in slightly older children
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Children turn pale or blue and then pass out
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Some have a brief seizure (shaking all over)
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After a few seconds, they start breathing again and wake up
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Breath-holding spells are scary to watch but aren't dangerous
What causes breath-holding spells?
Doctors aren't sure why children have breath-holding spells. Some children have them during a temper tantrum. Other children have them after being frightened, startled, or hurt.
Children who have a seizure disorder (epilepsy) also can stop breathing, pass out, and have a seizure. But that's not a breath-holding spell. Brain problems cause seizure disorders. Brain problems don't cause breath-holding spells.
Is my child breath-holding on purpose?
What are the symptoms of a breath-holding spell?
During a breath-holding spell, your child may:
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Cry out
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Stop breathing and faint
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Become pale or blue
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Sometimes shake all over (have a seizure)
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Start breathing again, wake up, and feel okay
