Breath Holding Spells: How to Manage Breath Holding Attacks

BREATHE HOLDING SPELLS OR ATTACKS BY CHILDREN

Some children hold their breath for unusually long periods of time.

When the child is angry or very upset.
If the child was very active throughout the day or is unwell this usually happens.
It can even be due to the child’s frustration or part of a tantrum.

The child goes red in the face or even purple.
The body becomes tense and stiff.
Eventually the child cries.
If the child doesn’t cry, it may lose consciousness for a few seconds or a minute.

The attacks end by themselves causing no harm. But in an extremely frightening experience, consult your health visitor.
Maintain your calm in the first place and act quickly. When you see an attack (of breathe holding) do not panic.
Blow air onto his face to stop the attack, hold his arms to get the attention.
Give him a gentle shake. Then give him a firm cuddle.
After seeing a few attacks you will be quite prepared. And will be able to predict the future attacks by just looking at the child’s behavior.