FreeMD® Breath Holding Spell Symptoms

Breath Holding Spell

Symptoms

Breath Holding Spell Symptoms

Symptoms of a breath-holding spell include:

The child vocalizes one or two long cries
The child holds his or her breath until the lips become blue
The child passes out
The child's limbs may become stiff or rigid
The child starts to breathe normally in less than 1 minute

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Related Conditions

Aspiration pneumonia
Choking
Inhaled foreign body

Breathing difficulty
Swallowed foreign body
Wheezing

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Last Updated: Apr 4, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Breath Holding Spell References:

Kelly AM, Porter CJ, McGoon MD, Espinosa RE, Osborn MJ, Hayes DL. Breath-holding spells associated with significant bradycardia: successful treatment with permanent pacemaker implantation. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):698-702.
Okada K, Miyako M, Honma S, Wakabayashi Y, Sugihara S, Osawa M. Discharge diagnoses in infants with apparent life-threatening event. Pediatr Int. 2003 Oct;45(5):560-3.
Peterson AL, Campise RL, Azrin NH: Behavioral and pharmacological treatments for tic and habit disorders: a review. J Dev Behav Pediatr 1994 Dec; 15(6): 430-41.