Patient's question:
Now it's been almost nine months, and I've been crying until there was no sound, then I fainted. About the past treatment and effects: I saw a cardiologist who said it was nothing, while others said it was triggered by the child's bad temper. What kind of assistance do you need: I want to ask a few times, what is this disease...Doctor's answer:
Apnea attacks are a neurotic respiratory disorder common in infants and young children. They are rare before 6 months of age and after 6 years old, most commonly occurring between 2 and 3 years. Whenever an infant encounters physical factors (such as pain) or emotional distress (such as fear, anger, or frustration), they may cry out, followed by hyperventilation, then apnea (breath holding), cyanosis of the lips, and rigidity of the limbs. In severe cases, there may be temporary loss of consciousness and convulsive muscle spasms. The entire process lasts about 1 minute, after which the muscles relax, breathing resumes, and most children regain consciousness, though some may fall asleep immediately. The causes of apnea attacks are related to emotional factors as well as iron deficiency; a significant portion of affected children also suffer from iron-deficiency anemia. The frequency of attacks varies, with severe cases potentially occurring multiple times a day (triggered by any distressing factor). As the child grows older, the frequency of attacks gradually increases, typically stopping between 5 and 6 years of age. About 30% of cases have a family history. The key to treatment lies in proper guidance. Family members should be both gentle and patient, making the child feel loved and supported at home, while also teaching them to be disciplined and self-critical. Overemphasizing indulgence without principles can harm their emotional well-being and lead to behavioral abnormalities. Conversely, overly strict demands without considering the child's condition can exacerbate apnea attacks and negatively impact their health. If iron-deficiency anemia is present, iron supplements should be administered promptly.---
Source: Adapted from Dr. Xu Jide's Pediatric Internal Medicine, 3rd Edition.
Therefore, it is recommended to first take your child to the hospital for a urine test to rule out iron-deficiency anemia. If the condition is confirmed, iron supplements should be started immediately. In daily life, pay attention to promptly identifying any discomfort and removing triggers to prevent excessive crying. As the child grows, gradually implement appropriate guidance.
Around the age of one, a child should be able to walk or be learning to walk. If the child is still unable to walk after some time, it may indicate developmental delays, particularly if there is a history of abnormal birth, such as respiratory distress, murky amniotic fluid, reversed umbilical cord, or changes in fetal heart rate. In such cases, a head CT may be recommended for further evaluation.