Breath holding spells are small periods of time when your child may stop breathing. This can go up to one minute or slightly more, and can result in your child passing out or fainting. This happens as a reflex when your child is afraid, angry, agitated, frustrated or in pain. Your child will not do this voluntarily, as it is rather a reaction to an extreme emotion that he or she is facing.

This might sound very frightening, when it really isn’t. Breath holding spells do not have any adverse side effects to health and are not even dangerous or deadly. Your child will resume breathing normally after he or she has passed out after the breathing spell. This is most prevalent amongst children of two years of age, but can happen anytime between six months to six years. By the sixth year, kids usually outgrow this. Breath holding spells are disturbing, especially to the mother, but they can be controlled easily once identified.

When to seek expert advise

If you witness any of the above situations, it is best to consult your doctor once to be sure that your child is experiencing breath holding spells and the situation is not due to any underlying cause. You can consult the doctors at the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital for an accurate diagnosis.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.