As a caregiver, there are few experiences more distressing than witnessing your infant temporarily cease breathing. However, it may come as a relief to learn that there are circumstances where this doesn’t indicate a severe underlying issue. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has introduced a new term that parents should be aware of: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events, or BRUE. This term is used to describe instances where a baby stops breathing for a few seconds without any clear explanation.
According to the AAP, BRUE episodes can occur in otherwise healthy, low-risk infants and are characterized by irregular or absent breathing, a bluish skin tone, unresponsiveness, or loss of muscle control. These symptoms typically last for less than a minute and resolve spontaneously. This may sound alarming, but many parents have encountered similar situations. For example, one mother shared her experience: “My son experienced breath-holding spells for about a year. I called emergency services the first time, thinking I was witnessing a life-threatening event. Over time, it became routine, and I would reassure others until he regained his color. Eventually, these episodes stopped altogether.”
Previously, healthcare providers referred to these occurrences as “Apparent Life-Threatening Events,” a term that the AAP found to be overly broad and unnecessarily frightening. Dr. Mark Johnson, a contributor to the new guidelines, explains, “Imagine being a parent, observing your child overnight without any new events, only to be told afterward that they had an apparent life-threatening occurrence, but the physician isn’t worried. That would be confusing.”
The AAP aims to increase awareness of BRUE while reassuring parents that these events are not precursors to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research indicates that BRUE episodes are not associated with SIDS and do not elevate the risk for infants. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that this term allows healthcare providers to communicate to parents, “Not only is the likelihood of recurrence low, but there’s also a minimal risk of a serious underlying condition.”
While it is essential to remain vigilant, any concerns should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider or at least a phone call. The AAP’s guidelines are not intended to discourage parents from seeking clarification or self-diagnosing but rather to equip medical professionals with clear criteria for identifying BRUE episodes. Parents should feel empowered with knowledge about these occurrences without succumbing to unnecessary fear.
Navigating the challenges of caring for a newborn can be daunting. While increased information might not eliminate fears entirely, it can help parents process unsettling experiences. No one wants to contemplate their baby not breathing; however, this newfound awareness provides a framework for discussing concerns with healthcare providers. If this guidance helps even one parent avoid a panic attack, it is undoubtedly valuable.
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In summary, understanding BRUE can empower parents to approach these alarming moments with greater knowledge and composure, fostering a supportive environment for both parent and child.
Keyphrase: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events
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