My 2.5 Year old son holds his breath while breathing??

[Karynrme]

My son is 2 1/2 and he holds his breath while he breathes, with I would say 90% of the breaths he takes, why?? He inhales, holds his breath, lets it out, takes a deep breath (because he held it for so long previously) then lets that one out, inhales and holds his breath again... it annoys me so much! He does it during normal moods, not while he is upset or in any kind of 'mood'.... sitting on the sofa watching TV he does it, in bed while Im laying with him to go to sleep at night he does it. not really while he is playing (too busy) more when he is sitting, watching TV.... has anyone ever heard of such a thing? He has been doing it for a long time, I would say since I can remember... is it a habit??

[RockRose]

I've never heard of this,  and it sounds like Mr. Google hasn't either! Breath holding spells are common in toddlers during tantrums or sudden injuries,  but I've never heard of a child who will sit quietly and continuously hold their breath until they have to keep gasping.  

I did a fairly long search on google and couldn't find anything like what you are describing.

Best wishes finding an answer.  

[sweetmonkeycheese]

My son does this too!!! the same thing!!! sitting watching TV and just relaxing w/ me it's like he forgets to breathe so he has a big burst of air and breathes in and then holds it and then a big burst of air.. again and again...

[smjmekg]

I think it may just be a phase some kids go through. My son does stuff similar on occasion, he'll suck in air, or suck in his stomach and push it out...I think it's just their way of figuring out their body, just just like sucking on toes and playing with their feet when they're infants.

[melia71809]

My almost 2 year old does this as well! I always find myself telling him to breathe. He does it all the time. Usually not when he is playing because he is too busy. I wonder what it is and hope that he grows out of it. Good luck to you.

[mammab]

My 6 year old has been doing this since he was 2 years old and it is SO annoying because the doctor has no explanation for it.  He only does it when he is relaxed with me and his mind is engaged (reading stories, watching tv, etc.).  She said he should grow out of it but he's 6 now.

Anyone out there have this similar experience?

[Frankeh]

Trust me... My dad has been doing it his whole life and he's still doing it; he's 63... I'm waiting for a doctor to finally do some research on this, It seems to be more apparent in people with ADHD/Depression/OCD and so on. Sadly, It ***** to say that I do the same thing... but here's the thing; when I take my prescribed Adderall, I stop doing that, and without thinking I can take full complete breaths without holding them, or feeling the need to.

[purplehaze2483]

My son is 4 and he does this also More noticeable when watchin tv etc or a movie and he also does it when eating I have no idea why he does it! I thought it was a control thing, as in he has control of his breathing and its probably one of the only things he can control, as he cant control what happends around him etc. I would love to find out more but couldnt find anything but this on the net Xx

[danitydanielle]

my stepson is also doing this. he is 2 and has been doing it since about 18months, holding his breath while laying down watching tv. not when he is sleeping or playing though.he does it when he is upset but also does it for no reason. it is very irritating and ive told him to stop and tried showing him the proper way to breathe. helllp!!

[ginlynn43]

Funny... I just googled this because my 2 year old does this now. Just started a few months ago. Very irritating. I see it must not be harmful and it must be pretty common considering all the responses to this. I'm not so worried now. He's laying next to me right now watching a movie doing it. Hmmmmm

[elena947]

My 7.5 year old boy does this!  I was just about to make a Dr appointment, but wanted to google it first.  Funny how one person on here said that people with ADHD seem to have this more.  We are thinking he has ADHD and taking him to psychologist on Tuesday.  Have any of you taken your kids to ENT?

[A33MRQZ]

my 2 1/2 yr old daughter does the exact same thing !! while watching t.v or right before going to sleep or reading a book, I also think she has ADHD as both my husband and I have it, i just don't ever remember doing this breathing stuff.

[jacksdad28]

My son is 18 months and does it while he IS playing all the time like he is to busy to breath?  It's like he is always holding his breath and exhausting is breath louldly.

[Matt_Mc]

I was searching for advise and ran across this. Our son just started doing this a week or so ago. Never associated with being angry. It's a breath, hold, hold, hold, exhaust fast and sometimes a pause before another quick breath.  He does this sitting or laying or while in his car seat. Never seen him do it while standing or playing. It is more prominent while tired and right before sleep, also does it while he is intensely focused on something like watching something on tv he likes. While he is sleeping there is no problem. While he is mad or throwing a tantrum he never does this.   Any help out there?

[Matt_Mc]

I was searching for advise and ran across this. Our son just started doing this a week or so ago. Never associated with being angry. It's a breath, hold, hold, hold, exhaust fast and sometimes a pause before another quick breath.  He does this sitting or laying or while in his car seat. Never seen him do it while standing or playing. It is more prominent while tired and right before sleep, also does it while he is intensely focused on something like watching something on tv he likes. While he is sleeping there is no problem. While he is mad or throwing a tantrum he never does this.   Any help out there?

[gigi140]

My son is 2.5, and he does this too! Drives me crazy, and it worries me horribly. I'm always wondering if he gets adequate oxygen throughout the day. I can never find any information on this. I only find information on pauses in breathing while sleeping, but not when they're awake. Very frustrating.

[Biacoban]

My 2yr old son does this as well, no answer to why yet. I feel for you

[slave2five]

O my days we are not alone!!! I was also googling as my 3 yr old daughter does this when sitting relaxed watching tv. I am positive she is not aware of it, but she holds her breath, then makes a small exhale, like whisper cough when releasing- soooooooo annoying. However when I break her concentration etc she is back to being normal!
I would love an answer, as she is fine when asleep- just when awake and relaxed that a problem!

[Greg_O]

I have noticed my 5 year old doing this, usually watching tv, and doing something relaxing. I have noticed him doing this in his sleep on occasion. He has food allergies, borderline, asthma. We see an allergist/asthma pediatric doctor. I know when I mention this to him, he will tell me he has never heard of it. This is the only page in the world of internet that I have found this discussion topic. Probably one of those things people just dont take notice to. Just like the spike in food allergies, there is no explanation. Hoping it isn't sleep apnea.

[adnmom]

well that makes me feel a bit better.  My 7 year old has been doing this for years and today it was annoying me so much I stuck it in the search engine becaus I can't remember what I was on the computer for it was driving me so nuts!!  he's been being tested for Asbergers or ADHD (based on the questionaires I had to fill out I'd be surprised if it's NOT one of those I had so many yes answers) and I wonder if it's related to that.  This seems to be the only thread anywhere that is related to what I'm dealing with!  he also does this annoying thing where he fills his mouth completely with whatever he is drinking and swallows it bit by bit instead of small sips he can swallow all at once.  it's annoying, like the breathing, but usually not a problem.  Until his brother makes him laugh while his mouth is full of an entire cup of water...  KIDS!

[smr451]

glad to hear I'm not the only one! My 3 year old holds his breath after each one he takes it seems....I get so worried about him. Its more breath deep gulp, breath deep gulp I looked it up previous to calling the doc and seriously I think I may still given the lack of explanation. I suffer from adhd and take meds for it which help a TON (wasn't diagnosed till 26 but should have been way sooner based on symptoms). I fear that my son will also suffer from this but hesitate to have him diagnosed at 3, aren't all 3 yr olds crazy :) I actually wonder if this is more based on allergies (which also affect me and many others in the fam) perhaps since this thread is so active and yet new there is something new in the food chain that causes it??? I really don't know but hate to have such and affliction affect my child....here's to us all finding a solution!

[cmaass2]

Wish there was more medical research into this it just seems weird and man oh man is it annoying...my 2.5 year old started this the other day and now trying to watch a movie with him is impossible I can't even sit next to him it just gets on my nerves...hope he stops soon good luck to all!!!

[CipandLiza]

My 2.5 yr old has been doing this since the day he was born. It made me so nervous.His ped doc told me he would outrgrow it but thus far nothing.
- No ADHD and no allergies.
-He does this when he is tired or very engaged, watching tv, or when sleeping (again when very tired and finally takes a nap its more obvious).
-Never during a tantrum
-He gags rather easy and has started to choke several times. As with another posting- he likes to stuff his mouth and then swallow bit by bit.
-He holds his breath for about 9 seconds since he was born and then lets it out and I hear that typical sigh
- I am wondering if this has something to do with the medula and his growth functions. Per WIKIpedia:

The medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions, and relays nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord. It is also responsible for controlling several major points and autonomic functions of the body:

respiration – chemoreceptors
cardiac center – sympathetic, parasympathetic system
vasomotor center – baroreceptors
reflex centers of vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing

Hopefully a doctor will actually take a look at this since this is the only place that mentions it online (sadly). Our pediatrician swears it not a big thing, more annoying and worrisome than dangerous.

[11Mrmatt]

Yup...my 5 year old boy, exactly the same thing. Sitting and playing quite or eating especially. He takes a quick breath through his mouth, then holds it and sometimes releasing his breath slowly through his mouth with a groaning sound, VERY irritating! I show him how to breath normal through his nose and he will do it and laugh then go right back to holding his breath, makes me crazy!!

[camdenandeastensmom]

my 2.5 year old son does the same thing i've been googling it and can't find any answers!  holds his breath when watching tv or snuggling.. sometimes when he is squating to play.  i can't stand it it is the most annoying thing EVER!!  i seriously want to wear ear plugs when i am around him.  has anyone ever gotten any kind of answer from a dr.?  i'm afraid to take him in for it seems like everytime he is at the dr. office we are sent somewhere else. we are dealing with hearing tests and speach therapist and padiatrist... please don't let something else be wrong with him!!

[Liliamore]

My daughter just turned four and three weeks ago she started holding her breath on and off all day. She used to only do it while watching tv or when she was extremelyfocused. Now it has progressed into an all day thing.
-She doesn't do it in her sleep
- She often grunts n groans when she exhales
-She is not overweight.
Has anyone ever asked their child WHY the do this? I've tried to show her how to breathe normally and I ask her why she breathes like that and she says it is because she got super dizzy spinning at the park. Which is true. Three weeks ago we ent to the park and she got on a spinning chair which began to spin out of control. I am wondering if it is anxiety or if she feels dizzy when she holds her breath thats why she associates the incident at the park with her irregular breathing.

[mom2justin]

My 5 year old does this too! He is Autistic and has ADHD. We had him tested for sleep apnea, but he does hot have that. He just holds his breath while watching T.V. and while layin in bed prior to going to sleep. You guys are so right, it is soooo annoying! Wish I knew of something to help him. I worry that is going to lead to future problems.