children s health issues
Breath Holding Spells
Cyanotic Breath Holding Spells
The cyanotic form of breath-holding is the most common. It is initiated subconsciously by young children often as a component of a Temper Tantrums or in response to a scolding or other upsetting event. Episodes peak at about age 2 and are rare after age 5. Typically, the child cries out (without necessarily being aware they are doing so), breathes out, and then stops breathing. Shortly afterward, the skin begins to turn blue ("cyanotic" means "blue"), and the child becomes unconscious. A brief Seizures in Children may occur. After a few seconds, breathing resumes and normal skin color and consciousness return. It may be possible to interrupt the episode by placing a cold rag on the child's face when the spell begins. Despite the frightening nature of the episode, children do not have any dangerous or long-term effects. Parents must try to avoid reinforcing the initiating behavior. At the same time, parents should not avoid providing appropriate structure for children out of fear of causing spells. Distracting children and avoiding situations that lead to tantrums are the best ways of preventing and treating these spells. A doctor may recommend iron supplements for a child who has cyanotic breath-holding spells, even when the child does not have iron-deficiency anemia, and Obstructive sleep apnea (if the child has it). 