By Hong Xiu

Temporary stopping breathing, cyanosis (slightly bluish, grayish, slatelike, or dark purple discoloration) of the lip or face can be observed in daily life when some children are angry, terrified or unsatisfied. These manifestations are clinically defined as Childhood Temporary Breathing Cessation Syndrome (CTBCS). The mechanism of CTBCS is considered to be the transient abnormal emotion or behavior, a subclinical condition. CTBCS may relate to the hyperexcitation and specific neuroreflection in some of the children.

Additionally, CTBCS more commonly occurs in children with iron or zinc deficiency. CTBCS can be frequently seen in children, aged 1-2 years, less in those younger than 6 months. At the beginning, CTBCS is occasional onset. With increase of age, CTBCS occurs more frequently. In the mild cases, lip and face become cyanotic for only several minutes, then return to normal. In serious cases, besides the cyanosis, there is epilepsy-like convulsive seizure: unconsciousness, whole body rigidity, extra extension of neck and lower back, convulsion of extremities, lasting for 2-3 minutes. After age of 3-4 years, frequency and severity of onset decreases or CTBCS disappears. Special drug treatment is unnecessary.

CTBCS has to be differentiated from epilepsy in children. The characteristics of CTBCS include existence of evocative factors that cause the children crying piteously, self-remission, and normal EEG (recording of brain electrical activity).

Though the prognosis of CTBCS is good, frequent or long duration onset may cause hypoxia of brain cells that affects the normal development of brain function. In such case, it is suggested to see doctor and take some anti-epilepsy drug to reduce the number of onset. If the recovery of breathing is too slow, proper chest compression maneuver is useful.

Children with CTBCS usually have an irascible temper, higher mental tension. Their parents should pay attention to improving the family relation and living environment, not to pamper their children, especially not to beat and blame them. For such children, gentle and cheerful temperament needs to be cultivated. Attention also should be paid to supplying food rich in zinc and iron.