Respiratory Depression

Breath Holding Spells

During a breath holding spell, your child may seem to hold their breath, become pale or blue in color, and then pass out. Your child is not able to control the breath holding spell. Your child may have intense feelings which cause them to cry or be startled just before the breath holding spell. Then your child may go on to become limp and pass out. Most of the time, after about a minute, your child wakes up again and starts breathing normally.

Activate the emergency medical system right away if your child does not start breathing within 1 minute. Call 911 in the United States or Canada.,Call the doctor if your child: Has more muscle jerking with breath holding spells Has more breath holding spells than normal Is less alert than normal after a breath holding spell,Has more muscle jerking with breath holding spells,Has more breath holding spells than normal,Is less alert than normal after a breath holding spell

Pediatric,Respiratory

BHS,Breath-holding Spells,Cyanotic Breath Holding Spells,IBH,IBHS,Involuntary Breath Holding,Pallid Breath Holding Spells

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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