When it comes to parenting, few moments are as frightening as when an infant suddenly appears to stop breathing. However, many parents may not realize that there are situations where this doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious health issue. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has introduced a new term that parents should be aware of: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events, or BRUE.
According to the AAP, BRUE refers to instances when a healthy, low-risk baby briefly stops breathing for a few seconds, exhibiting signs like irregular breathing, a bluish skin tone, unresponsiveness, or a loss of muscle tone. These episodes typically last less than a minute and resolve on their own. It might sound alarming, but as one mom shared in a Facebook group about her experience, “My son had these breath-holding spells for about six months. The first time, I called emergency services because I thought he was in trouble. Eventually, I learned to wait it out until he regained his color and was back to normal. After a while, it just stopped happening altogether.”
In the past, these occurrences were labeled as “Apparent Life-Threatening Events,” a term that the AAP found overly broad and unnecessarily distressing. Dr. Max Hudson, a contributor to the new guidelines, points out that it’s hard for parents to hear such language when their child has been monitored without any incidents. He notes, “Imagine being told your child had an apparent life-threatening event, yet the doctor isn’t concerned. That can be confusing and frightening.”
With the introduction of BRUE, the AAP aims to increase awareness and provide reassurance to parents that these episodes are not connected to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Studies have shown that BRUE does not increase the risk for SIDS or other severe health issues. As Dr. Hudson explains, “[BRUE] helps us convey to parents that the chances of recurrence are low and there’s little risk of a serious underlying condition.”
Of course, if you ever feel worried, it’s essential to consult your pediatrician or reach out for advice. The guidelines are intended to empower parents with knowledge, not to discourage them from seeking help. In a world where parenting can be riddled with anxiety, gaining more insight can help alleviate some of those fears. While the thought of your baby not breathing is terrifying, understanding BRUE can equip you with the information needed to discuss concerns with your doctor effectively. If this knowledge can prevent even one parent from experiencing panic, it’s certainly worth learning about this new acronym.
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In summary, the AAP’s introduction of BRUE provides clarity and reassurance for parents regarding brief breathing interruptions in infants. This new term helps separate these occurrences from more serious health risks, while still encouraging parents to seek medical advice when concerned.