What is the typical age range for children who experience breath-holding spells?

Breath-holding spells are involuntary episodes that occur in usually healthy children, often characterized by a child holding their breath while upset or experiencing pain, leading to a temporary cessation of breathing. The most typical age range for children affected by breath-holding spells is from 6 months to 2 years. This range captures the developmental stage where children are beginning to assert their independence, express emotions, and may experience frustration that can lead to these spells.

In this age group, children are also more likely to have limited coping mechanisms and awareness of their emotional responses, making them more susceptible to these occurrences. As they grow older and develop better emotional regulation skills, breath-holding spells generally decrease in frequency and intensity. Thus, 6 months to 2 years is recognized as the critical age range for these episodes to manifest.