Between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, a child can sometimes be prone to seizures also known as breath-holding spells. Usually occurring after an anger fit, a strong emotion or intense pain, this disorder is usually a cause of concern for parents due to its intensity. Indeed, the child’s sobs are interrupted by wheezing, and the child may become pale, cyanosed, or even lose consciousness. Before the onset of sobbing, respiratory arrest of variable duration may occur. Homeopathy remains a treatment of choice to alleviate the emotional distress resulting from this pathology.
Following a deep anger, feelings of frustration or trauma, a child subject breath-holding spells may present a series of more or less variable symptoms. Indeed, after much crying, the child may be victim of sudden and temporary respiratory arrest before losing consciousness for a few moments. During apnoea, the child may become pale or present cyanosis of the lips and fingers. In some cases, muscle twitching can occur in the arms and legs, in addition to which the eyes may sometimes roll back.
Ignatia Amara 9 CH is one of the most indicated remedies in the treatment of behavioural disorders that lead to breath-holding spells. In this case, it is recommended to take 5 granules of Ignatia Amara 30 CH every other day over the course of 10 days. Depending on the intensity of related symptoms, one may choose to resort to a weekly dose of Ignatia Amara 12 CH during several months.
Chamomilla vulgaris 15 CH can also alleviate behavioural disorders linked to breath-holding spells. It is advisable to administer children 5 granules of Chamomilla vulgaris 15 CH diluted in a bit of water during a fortnight. After these two weeks, the intakes will be limited to 5 granules, to be administered to children every Sunday for 2 months. Finally, to relieve the effects of breath-holding spells caused by coughing fits, it is recommended to administer daily 5-granule doses of Mephitis putorius 9 CH over the course of 3 months, while 5-granule daily doses of Stramonium 15 CH may be taken during 3 months to relieve breath-holding spells resulting from night terrors.
Chamomilla vulgaris 15 CH is particularly indicated for pain-sensitive children. The recommended dosage then consists of 5-granule daily intakes, to be taken over a 3-month period. It should be added that this homoeopathic remedy is more effective when taken outside of meals. Furthermore, children undergoing treatment with Chamomilla vulgaris should under no circumstances consume mint or caffeine.
It is advisable to consult a pediatrician when breath-holding spells occur following an annoyance, pain or fear. Furthermore, it is best to seek medical attention if the arms and legs shake during the fits, or if their duration exceeds one minute.
• Chamomilla Vulgaris
• Ignatia Amara
• Mephitis Putorius
• Stramonium
