Breath Holding Spells In Children
What to do if your child has a breath-holding spell
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
If your child has a blue breath-holding spell or reflex anoxic seizure, you should:
- stay calm it should pass in less than a minute
- lie them on their side don't pick them up
- keep an eye on them until the spell ends
- make sure they can't hit their head, arms or legs on anything if they start to jerk, gently cushion their head, arms or legs to prevent injury
- avoid shaking or hitting them
- avoid putting anything in their mouth including your fingers
- avoid splashing them with water
- avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
You don't need to try to help your child breathe or help their heart beat. They'll start breathing on their own, and their heart will return to a normal rhythm on its own after the episode or seizure has finished this is usually in less than a minute. Afterwards, they may cry or scream.
Reassure your child and make sure they get plenty of rest after having ablue breath-holding spell or reflex anoxic seizure. Act as if nothing has happened and avoid making a fuss don't punish or reward them.
Articles for Breath Holding Spells In Children
Introduction
Read about breath-holding spells in children, including the two different types, how to distinguish between them, and what to do if your child has a breath-holding episode.
Telling the difference between the two types
It isn't always possible to tell the difference between a blue breath-holding spell and a reflex anoxic seizure. However, in most cases the advice will be the same reassurance and treatment for iron d
Treating breath-holding spells
There's no specific treatment for blue breath-holding spells, but your child should have a thorough examination to check for any underlying problems, and an ECG to check for an irregular heartbeat . R
Types of breath-holding spells
There are two distinct disorders that are called "breath-holding spells". Blue breath-holding spells Blue breath-holding spells are the most common type of breath-holding disorder, and often occur dur
What to do if your child has a breath-holding spell
If your child has a blue breath-holding spell or reflex anoxic seizure, you should: stay calm it should pass in less than a minute lie them on their side don't pick them up keep an eye on them until
When to see your GP
See your GPthe first time your child has a blue breath-holding spell or reflex anoxic seizure.Your child willneed to be thoroughly examined to check whether they have a more serious underlying problem