Breath holding attacks in infants

Breath holding attacks during infant period is common. It should be differentiated from seizure attacks. Some time it is difficult to differentiate breath holding attacks from seizures. This condition is not a life threatening diseases but it can really upset the parents. No special treatments are required other than reassurance of parents. There are two types of breath holding attacks;

1. Blue breath holding attacks
2. Pallid breath holding attacks

Blue breath holding attack

This is started or provoked by upsetting an infant. Followings are the key features of blue breath holding attacks;

• Provoked by upsetting an infant.
• Episode starts with crying.
• Followed by breath holding and apnea.
• Loss of consciousness may be associated with a few clonic jerks( a type of abnormal movements of limbs) and bradycardia (low heart rate) .
• May occur repeatedly or sporadically.
• Usually occur after 6 months of age with a peak incidence at 2 years.

Pallid breath holding attack

This is also started or provoked by upsetting an infant. Followings are the key features of pallid breath holding attacks;

• Provoked by upsetting an infant.
• Crying prior to episode may not be apparent.
• Become pale and bradycardic (low heart rate).
• Loss of consciousness may be associated with tonic jerks.
• Usually occur after 6 months of age with a peak incidence at 2 years.