Most new parents are constantly worried about their baby’s well-being. They’re alert and always on the lookout for trouble. For such parents, a breath-holding spell can cause significant alarm.
As the name suggests, a breath-holding spell is when a child holds its breath due to a violent shock, discomfort, or fear, explains Dr Rashmi R, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru. She says that these are episodes in which a child involuntarily stops breathing, leading to unconsciousness and a pale blue face. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, the paediatric expert sheds light on the condition and shares ways to stop it effectively.
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How Common Is A Breath-Holding Spell?
A breath-holding spell is a common phenomenon that affects up to 5% of children, according to StatPearls Publishing.
Research reports that the onset is usually between six and 18 months of age and always occurs before two years of age. While both male and female children can be affected by the phenomenon, male babies are slightly more likely to develop it.
Should Parents Panic?
Breath-holding spells can usually last for less than one minute. In some cases, a child may faint, but they'll usually regain consciousness within one or two minutes, as per the UK's National Health Services (NHS).
For parents, this can be a scary experience. However, it is important to know that in most cases, such episodes are harmless and children grow out of them by age four or five, the health body adds.
Dr Rashmi says, “Breath-holding episodes frequently result from a reaction to a sudden emotional upset or physical discomfort. The children's reactions are not intentional.”
“While it is alarming for parents to witness, breath-holding episodes typically do not lead to death. Nevertheless, they can be upsetting for both the child and the parents,” she adds.
What To Do Instead To Stop Breath-Holding Spells In Babies?
Panic can worsen the situation. It is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to stop the breath-holding spell.
Dr Rashmi advises, “Parents can help their children handle breath-holding spells by remaining calm throughout the incident. It's vital not to panic; the youngster will most likely regain consciousness on their own within a minute or two.”
“If feasible, position the kid on their side to ensure an unobstructed airway.
“After the spell has ended, console and reassure the child. It is best to speak with a healthcare expert to rule out any underlying medical concerns and discuss management techniques,” the doctor adds.
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How To Prevent The Condition?
While breath-holding spells cannot always be prevented, there are steps parents can take to minimise their occurrence. These include:
Identify triggers: Pay attention to situations or stimuli that seem to trigger breath-holding spells in your child, and try to avoid or minimise exposure to these triggers.
Stay calm: Children often react to the emotions of their caregivers, so remaining calm during stressful situations can help prevent exacerbating the spells.
Provide comfort: Offer comfort and reassurance to your child after a spell, as this can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Seek doctor advice: If you're concerned about your child's breath-holding spells, consult a doctor for guidance and advice on management strategies. They can help rule out any underlying health issues and provide support for both you and your child.
Conclusion
While breath-holding spells in children can be distressing for parents, it is important to approach them with a calm mindset. These spells are harmless and tend to resolve on their own as a child grows older. Parents should not panic, but instead seek guidance from healthcare professionals who can provide proper guidance to manage these episodes.