The spasms of the sob in babies and children

The spasms of the sob are situations that occur in some healthy children and that are characterized by episodes triggered by an anger, a scolding, a fright or an important emotion, in which the child stops breathing abruptly, deprives himself. It affects about 5 percent of infants and children, between 6 months and 5 years of age and, despite its benign nature, can scare parents.

It is not known why they occurthe spasms of the sob in babies and children, or why children have them and others do not. Children of parents who have had spasms of small sobs are more prone. Despite being very alarming, its nature is totally benign without any risk to health.


Symptoms of sob spasms

After a fall, a blow, an upset or an anger, the child cries or tries to cry. Then, suddenly, he stops breathing and begins to get gradually purple and stiff (spasm of the cyanotic sob). If the episode lasts more than 10-15 seconds, some shaking may occur, such as seizures. Finally, the child breaks down to cry or loses consciousness briefly.

There is another type of spasms of the sob, less frequent, in which the children remain pale, not purple (spasm of pale sob). They usually occur after a fright or a startle.
The spasms of the sob cause a lot of alarm in the families. However, children recover in a few seconds, without having to do anything special.


What can be done before a spasm of sob?

Keep calm or at least try. The spasms of the sob end as fast as they begin, in a few seconds and without any repercussions for the child. There is no need to shake, shout, or hit the child, as this will not cause the spasm to yield more quickly and may injure him unintentionally. It is also not necessary to perform mouth-to-mouth breathing or other resuscitation maneuvers. It can be difficult for parents to sit still until the child recovers, but you have to try to convince yourself that they recover on their own, without any consequences.

Frequently asked questions before a sob spasm

When should I consult?
If the child has a first episode and you are not sure that it is really a sob spasm, you should consult the pediatrician. If you are very worried about the episodes or are very repetitive you can also consult with the pediatrician the doubts and ask about how to act.


What consequences?
Any. Children recover completely in each episode and there is no association with any disease. Children with sore spasms also have no increased risk of developing epilepsy, although in some episodes there may be shaking (convulsions), as in epileptic seizures.

How can they be prevented?
They can not be prevented. We must remember that "as they come, they leave". As some spasms of the sob are triggered because the child has been reprimanded when he has done something wrong or is contrary, there are parents who try to avoid these episodes, not scolding their children. It is important to continue correcting their behavior and not give in to tantrums. Limits and standards are still necessary for children to feel safe.

Video: Help! SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH MY BABIES BREATHING! | Dr. Paul


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