Breath Holding

Spells
(K M Dimas Alphiano)
HI III - I
 outline

Introduction
Definition
epidemiology
Risk factors
Precipitating factors
Symptoms
Threatment
Outlokk (prognosis)
illation
Introduction
 What IS BREATH HOLDING
SPELLS?

A breath holding spell is an involuntary pause in breathing that

occurs in some children. Involuntary means it is not in the
child's control.
 Epidemiology

Breath holding spells may startat 2 months old, but may not
begin until the child is age 2.
Some children have severe spells. They usually stop by the
time the child reaches ages 6-8
 Risk factors

Breath holding spells are more common in children with:

Genetic conditions, such as Riley-Day syndrome or Rett
syndrome
Iron deficiency anemia
A family history of breath holding spells (parents may have
had similar spells when they were kids)
 precipitating factors

Breath holding spells appear to be a response to:

Fear
Pain or traumatic even
Being startledor confronted confronted
 symptoms

Symptoms can include:

Blue or pale skin
Crying then no breathing
Fainting or loss of alertness (consciousness)
Jerky movements (short, seizure-like movements)
 Exams and tests

Anamnesa
Physical exam
Lab
Additional exams
 threatment

No treatment is usually needed

you can take the following steps:
During a spell, make sure child is in a safe place where he or she will not fall or
be hurt.
Place a cold cloth on child's forehead during a spell to help shorten the episode.
After the spell, try to be calm. Avoid giving too much attention to the child, as
this can reinforce the behaviors that led to the event.
Avoid situations that cause a child's temper tantrums. This can help reduce the
number of spells.
 Outlook (Prognosis)

Most children outgrow breath holding spells by ages 4 - 8.

Children who have a seizure after losing consciousness during
a breath holding spell do not appear to be more likely to get a
seizure disorder.
 When to Contact a Medical
Professional

Call your local emergency number if:

child stops breathing or has trouble breathing
child has seizures for more than 1 minute
Before we close
illation
 References

Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of

Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Age-specific behavioral disturbances.
In: Kliegman RM,Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF,
eds.Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 27.1.
Thank You