My son is 13 months old. He had an episode where he suddenly turned blue for about 20 seconds. It was so scary and I didn't know what to do and as I was rushing to the phone to dial 911, he got his breath back and the blueness went away. I had just changed his diaper and sat down with him in my arms to put him down for a nap and he suddenly arched his back and let out a cry. I looked down at his face and noticed that there were no more cries. He looked like he was trying to catch his breath but couldn't and his face was stuck in a crying position but no sounds were coming out.I have never seen this before. He presently has his first ear infection and is on antibotics (Amoxicillin) and I didn't know if this was a reaction from the antibotics. After researching on the internet and speaking with the pediatrician, it looks like this was probably a Breath Holding Spell. He had Reflux as an infant and was on a baby Zantac medication but that stopped around 10 months of age. He presently started spitting up and having "sour burps" and I don't know if this is all related
did you see the ped or just speak to him? honestly, in either case, i would get him checked out asap by someone else. probably just what he said, but there is no way i would mess around with something like that. remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question... (and that is quoting my ped, which is one of the reasons i love them so much) ...that goes for visits as well. best of luck.
And that's all the pediatrician said? I'd quickly lose faith in that doctor and get a second opinion of some kind.
Your baby had what's called an "Apneic Episode". You do want to be careful with this, because if it lasts too long, then there is oxygen deprivation to the brain, obviously, since he is holding his breath. I am a nurse in the Pediatric ICU and we see babies like this often. Usually they are admitted for at least 24 hours and placed on monitors so that we can see if there are any other episodes. If it happens again, I would probably bring him to the ER just to be safe. Sometimes the baby will pass out from this. Or sometimes it could be that he aspirated his food, and given that he has reflux, it could be possible. I would ask the doctor again to be sure...
Hi J.,
I would have it checked out anyway. If it does happen in the meantime and it is him holding his breath you can blow into his face that usually gets them to stop and breathe.
