Contents

SynopsisCodesDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsReferences

View all Images (2)

Breath-holding spell
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Breath-holding spell

Contributors: David Sullo MD, Eric Ingerowski MD, FAAP
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Absence or pause in breathing (apnea) that may be involuntary and is believed to be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Mostly benign, it may lead to more serious conditions of bradycardia, asystole, cyanosis, syncope, and seizures. Onset is usually between 6 and 12 months of age, but could occur earlier. Some patients were found to have familial associations. Frequency of spells ranged from weekly to multiple times per day. About 60% of affected children were iron deficient. Associated with familial dysautonomia, conditions of breath holding appear to be linked to parasympathetic hypersensitivity and presence of chronic lung disease, carbon dioxide retention, and reduced lung volume. Laughing and crying appear to increase severity of involuntary breath-holding spells in children with familial dysautonomia. Another type of breath-holding spell is believed to be a voluntary behavioral episode related to temper tantrums and may occur from 6 months to 4 years of age.

Management of voluntary tantrum-related breath holding includes calm parental response, understanding, and support while implementing behavioral modifications related to crying, pain, excitement, overstimulation, and anger triggers. Involuntary breath holding can be managed with medications and iron supplementation. Pacemaker implantation may be considered for severe syncope, cyanosis, and bradycardia episodes, but the potential adverse effects of implantation should be considered.

Codes

ICD10CM:
R06.89 – Other abnormalities of breathing

SNOMEDCT:
713013008 – Breath holding spell

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:03/05/2024
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Breath-holding spell
A medical illustration showing key findings of Breath-holding spell (Cyanotic Breath-Holding Spell) : Apnea, Cyanosis, Iron deficiency anemia, Loss of consciousness, Recurring episodes or relapses, Syncope, Excessive crying
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.