Breath Holding Spells Age Group

Almost 5 of the pediatric population might demonstrate such episodes.

Breath holding spells age group. The duration of pbhs in this group varied fig. Breath holding spells are common in childhood. Breath holding spells are a well described phenomenon 1 known to occur mostly among children 6 to 18 months of age.

3 and ranged from less than 6 months to as long as 48 months with a median duration of 18 months and a fig. A breath holding spell may happen after a child becomes upset or injures themselves for example after a minor bump or fright. Breath holding spells are a reflex that is the body s automatic response to distress.

The peak age for breath holding spell is 2 years. Some reports suggest that these episodes can occur even later in childhood up to 4 years of age. They are most common in children between 6 and 18 months and usually not present after 5 years of age.

Breath holding spells occur in approximately 5 of the population with equal distribution between males and females. The study group included children who experienced breath holding spells. They are unusual before 6 months of age.

They peak about 2 years of age and abate by 5 years of age. The episodes start with a provocation such as emotional upset or minor injury and might progress to breath holding cyanosis and syncope. They are rare before 6 months of age.

The episodes are extremely frightening to watch but have benign consequences. Age in months at the onset of breath holding spells bhs. Up to 5 of children experience breath holding spells.