My husband and I have recently noticed that our 4yr old is holding his breath in between breaths...if that makes any sense. He will take a breath and then hold it until he needs to take another breath, and will do this constantly. It seems to be most noticable in the evening when things are winding down, i.e. watching a movie, reading a story, but I have occasionally noticed it throughout the day. Also, when he falls asleep he no longer does it and breathes normally again. Does anyone have any idea what could be causing him to do this?
A little about his health history...He was born at 37 weeks and was in Neonatal ICU for a little over a week for pnemonia, a heart defect(VSD), and low oxygen levels not related to the pnemonia. His heart was rechecked at 3yrs and the hole had closed on its own and everything appeared fine. He has an enlarged lymph node on his neck that has been checked by two different doctors whom all say it is no cause for concern, but as a mother, I am always suspicious of it. He is lactose intolerant and I suspect that he has other food and seasonal allergies that we haven't been able to pinpoint yet. He is an active, otherwise healthy little boy that doesn't get sick any more than the average child.
Have you consider that he may have some form of asthma? The doctor I use is Dr. Tarak Patel. He is specializes in pulmonary and sleep medicine. He's been great diagnosing my sons asthma. My son didn't have a breathing issue but rather and uncontrolable cough that no over the counter medicine would work. Good luck.
Dear A.,
This sounds like a tough one to answer over the internet. First, medical problems need to be ruled out. You mention his pedi said not to worry about your son's swollen lymph node, but is he aware of the breathing concerns? Does your child look like he is in distress, such as lips turning blue, labored breathing when he inhales and/or exhales? Does he cough or have a wheeze and does he snore at night or have history of throat infections? I could go on and on with questions for you, but I do not feel confident giving you a logical answer. But, I am still thinking. Hmmm, okay, do you think the lymph node is obstructing an area and when he lies down at night there is some relief. Perhaps he needs a sleep study so he can be monitored all night. I would continue to observe what the triggers are, but more importantly tell your pediatrician. If you have already told him, I would question whether this is an "attention getter" because you stated, "he holds his breath," which almost sounds like he willingly does this. Children are so unique and they have wonderful ways to get our attention. I am not saying this is the problem, but if medical problems have been totally ruled out, than I would question the psychological aspect as to why he is doing this. I am sure it's mind boggling for you because as moms we want to know what is going on with our children and we want the answer like, yesterday! I know alot of parents who have gone through some similar problems with their children. I, being one of them, except, he was not holding his breath. Any how, I researched the problem, like you are doing and got him some help and that was 7 years ago and have not had a problem since. I hope I helped you some. Unfortunately, I do not have the answer to why he is doing this, but continue to be resourceful and you will finally come to a conclusion. Be Encouraged, you will find the answer. Blessings!
Proverbs 11:14 says - " In the multitude of counselors there is safety."
A., I would have this checked out by a doctor. It could be nothing but with the health issues you've mentioned it could be something. Better to be safe than sorry. The fact that he doesn't do this when he's sleeping suggests that it could be nothing but since I'm not a doctor I would still have it checked out.
Sounds like a curious habit. If he doesn't do it in his sleep, I wouldn't worry about it, because you know that his body knows how to breathe properly on its own.
Our daughter is 4 years old and she has done this forever. When she falls asleep she's just fine so the doctor rulled out sleep apnea. Our daughters peditrician said it's just a habit she's formed and is nothing to be worried about. =)
Hi A.,
I have no idea what made me think of this, but do you think he may have something wrong with his ears? I know sometimes if you hear yourself breathing it may be difficult to hear someone talking or just hear other sounds. I would take him to the Dr. and have his hearing checked as well as talking to the Dr. about the breath holding. I would love to hear what happens with this. Please stay in touch.
S.
My 3 year old son was doing the same thing in the evenings. He was diagnosed by our pediatrician with asthma associated with seasonal allergies. After 2 weeks on a nebulizer with prescription medication and a steady dose of over-the-counter Zyrtec, he is no longer having any issues with breathing. Something to consider.....
Best wishes!!
D.
You might ask to have his adenoids checked. My best friend's son did something like your son. He would breathe and then it appeared he was holding his breath. He was 9 yrs old so could communicate better and told his mom that his throat would close after his breath, so he just started holding it. The first doctor said there wasnt a problem but finally gave in to having an xray done and his adenoids were so huge it was almost impossible to believe that he could have breathed at all. He had them removed and has no problems whatsoever since that time. Good luck!
