Your Child's Crying Episodes: A Pediatrician's Insight - Pediatrics

Share to:

The son is practicing turtle breathing techniques, and the mother is almost scared to death?


Hello Dr.
Wu: My child is currently one and a half years old and cries a lot.
Since he turned one, at least once every one to two months, he has cried to the point where his lips turn purple, then he becomes silent, his face turns pale, and he appears dazed and unresponsive.
Family members have to grab him under the armpits and shake him up and down for a long time (about ten seconds or so!).
After that, he seems to gasp for air like a drowning person before slowly starting to cry again.
It's very frightening.
Is there a possibility that one day he won't be able to catch his breath or that prolonged oxygen deprivation could cause permanent damage to his brain? What should I do? Please help me with this, Dr.
Wu.
Thank you!

Hsin-Yi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/02/06

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics


Thank you for your inquiry, Mini.
It is common for infants and young children to cry excessively and hold their breath when they are upset, which can lead to cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips) and pallor.
This phenomenon is known as "breath-holding spells" and is frequently encountered in pediatrics.
So far, the recommended approach is to gently pat the child on the back until they begin to cry again.
There is limited literature reporting that this condition leads to cerebral hypoxia; theoretically, it is possible, but it is rare.
In addition to the immediate management mentioned above, it is also very important to nurture the child's temperament.
This not only helps reduce the occurrence of breath-holding spells but also significantly contributes to the child's personality development in the future.

Reply Date: 2002/02/06

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a very distressing situation with your child, and it's completely understandable to be concerned about their well-being. Crying episodes in young children can be alarming, especially when they escalate to the point of losing consciousness or appearing unresponsive. Let's break down the situation and explore some insights and recommendations.


Understanding Crying Episodes
Crying is a natural form of communication for infants and toddlers. It can signify a range of emotions and needs, from hunger and discomfort to fear and frustration. However, the episodes you describe—where your child cries to the point of turning pale and losing responsiveness—are concerning and warrant careful consideration.

1. Possible Causes:
- Emotional Distress: Children at this age are still developing their emotional regulation skills. They may cry intensely when overwhelmed by emotions, leading to breath-holding spells. This can happen when they are very upset or frustrated, and they may hold their breath until they faint or become unresponsive.

- Physical Factors: It's also essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could contribute to these episodes. Conditions such as seizures, respiratory issues, or other health concerns could manifest in similar ways.

- Environmental Triggers: Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, or stressful situations can also trigger intense crying spells.

2. Breath-Holding Spells:
- These episodes are relatively common in young children and usually occur when they are very upset. The child may cry so hard that they stop breathing momentarily, leading to a loss of consciousness. While this can be frightening for parents, most children outgrow this behavior, and it typically does not cause long-term harm. However, it is crucial to monitor the frequency and severity of these episodes.


Recommendations for Parents
1. Stay Calm: During an episode, try to remain as calm as possible. Your child can pick up on your anxiety, which may exacerbate their distress.

2. Safety First: Ensure that your child is in a safe environment during these episodes. If they lose consciousness, lay them down on their side to prevent choking and monitor their breathing.

3. Consult a Pediatrician: Given the severity of the episodes you described, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly some tests, to rule out any underlying medical issues.

4. Behavioral Strategies: Work on teaching your child emotional regulation skills. Simple techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or using calming strategies (like a favorite toy or blanket), can help them manage their emotions better.

5. Document Episodes: Keep a record of when these episodes occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing the situation.

6. Seek Support: If you find that these episodes are affecting your family's well-being, consider seeking support from a child psychologist or counselor who specializes in early childhood development. They can provide strategies to help your child cope with their emotions and reduce the frequency of crying episodes.


Conclusion
While it is natural to worry about your child's health and emotional state, it is essential to approach the situation with a clear plan. By consulting with healthcare professionals and implementing strategies to help your child manage their emotions, you can work towards reducing the frequency and intensity of these crying episodes. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step towards ensuring your child's well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Your Child's Frequent Crying: A Guide for Parents

Hello, doctor. I have a 5-year-old son who cries whenever he encounters a situation. When I ask him, he cannot articulate the reason for his tears. I have told him many times that crying does not solve problems, yet he cries almost every day. For example, he starts crying before ...


Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: When a child cries, it usually indicates feelings of frustration or fear. Therefore, the suggested intervention is to reduce their fear and lower their frustration. Perhaps the amount of homework can be initially reduced, starting with simpler tasks. Before transitioning t...

[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Frequent Crying: A Guide for Parents


Understanding Sudden Emotional Outbursts in Children: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. My child is currently in first grade and started seeing a psychiatrist last summer. He has been taking Adderall in the morning and Tofranil at bedtime, and has been receiving therapy sessions weekly. Initially, there was significant improvement, but for some reason...


Dr. Chen Zhicai reply Psychiatry
Mother XX: The symptoms mentioned by the child (irritability, tendencies toward violence, anger, easily finding reasons to get upset, yelling, crying uncontrollably, slamming doors and throwing things, refusing to go to school, acting out at school, harming classmates, tearing up...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Emotional Outbursts in Children: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Emotional Disorders in Children: When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Chang, My daughter is four years old and has a very strong-willed personality. She can cry for an hour if she doesn't want to walk or go to school. She expresses her problems through crying and gets angry easily. For example, if someone stops her from playing with...


Dr. Zhang Jiexin reply Psychiatry
Based on your description, your child may possess some challenging temperamental traits, which are innate and difficult to change. If the surrounding environment does not adequately understand these characteristics and limitations, it may lead to poor interactions when addressing...

[Read More] Understanding Emotional Disorders in Children: When to Seek Help


Is Your Baby Crying Excessively? When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello: Our baby is 5 months old. This week, he/she has been crying continuously both day and night, and the amount of milk he/she drinks has decreased significantly. This has been going on for 3 days. Each time he/she cries, his/her body twists and turns. The elders in the family...


Dr. Chen Qianyi reply Pediatrics
Hello, Mom: When a baby cries continuously, it is often due to discomfort. Therefore, when your baby is crying and cannot be soothed, you should check for any sources of discomfort. There are many potential causes, including colds, bloating, abdominal pain, teething, diaper rash,...

[Read More] Is Your Baby Crying Excessively? When to Seek Medical Advice


Related FAQ

Shaken Baby Syndrome

(Pediatrics)

Bedwetting

(Pediatrics)

Pediatric Vomiting

(Pediatrics)

Nosebleed

(Pediatrics)

Pediatric Heart

(Pediatrics)

Teething

(Pediatrics)

Jaundice

(Pediatrics)

Child Psychology

(Psychiatry)

Brain

(Pediatrics)

Speech Disorders

(Pediatrics)