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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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3 Month Old Holds Breath While Going Down Stairs. Should We Worry ?

We have a 3 month old son, and he is holding his breath when going down stairs (from our second level to the main level), is this normal? If not what should we do. he goes all stiff, holds his breath, arms stretched out and hands clenched. If we take it slow he sometimes does it sometimes doesn t. Sometimes he just does not do it on the first flight to the landing but from the landing to the main floor. Is there any problems we should be worried about? He is breast fed and is in the 90 percentile for his age and weight. I am worried that this could cause long term health problems for him and his mental health . Please advise.
Mon, 27 Aug 2012
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there.

Thanks for writing in.

Breath holding spells are common in infants and should disappear by 2 years old. However, I understand that it is very frightening to watch a child having a breath holding spell. Does he turn pale or blue? Breath holding spells are nothing to worry about.

Sometimes breath holding spells can be mistaken for seizures. Hence it is important that you take your baby to a paediatrician at the earliest to rule out seizures.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

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3 Month Old Holds Breath While Going Down Stairs. Should We Worry ?

Hi there. Thanks for writing in. Breath holding spells are common in infants and should disappear by 2 years old. However, I understand that it is very frightening to watch a child having a breath holding spell. Does he turn pale or blue? Breath holding spells are nothing to worry about. Sometimes breath holding spells can be mistaken for seizures. Hence it is important that you take your baby to a paediatrician at the earliest to rule out seizures. Hope this helps. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan