Is holding your breath for 1 or 2 seconds bad?

Question

I have acid reflux disease, and I usually have to hold my breath to keep acid down (as a result of keeping down acid with some kind of muscle) and it's usually just for 1 or 2 seconds, not even 2 seconds. Is that killing brain cells, and will it hurt me in the long run?

So, even if you hold your breath for 1 or 2 seconds it doesn't kill any brain cells, or just a minute amount? Like, does it happen after you hit a certain amount, like after you run out of oxygen, or does it start as soon as you stop breathing?

And funny story about the reflux... I've undergone 2 surgeries (but nothing compared to cancer patients, or this little girl with no legs who was in a hospital bed across the hall from me, I feel sorry for her, but anyway) and now I've had tests done on me to see if I have too much acid, which I do. (duh) ANn I have an ulcer. So, the reflux is nothing new. :P You learn to live with it, and buy lots of Rolaids.

One more thing, thanks everyone. (You can still answer, though. :P) Because I would hate to grow up and not be able to walk or do things that I can do now. I shouldn't have the reflux problem for long, though, (I'm running out of things that could be causing the problem :P) but I would die if I couldn't learn the same way or walk or something ever again.

Okay people, I'm trying to explain, I've had ARD for years now, and I'm currently getting help, but my doctor is showing my biopsy or whatever results to his colleagues cuz they don't know what the f*** si wrong with me. But they said mines not as serious as cancer. They said not for at least 20 years or so, and I'll have the ARD cleared up in probably a year or 2. Let's hope it's less than that, though. ^_^

Answer 1

1 to 2 seconds is nothing. Try 1 to 2 minutes. That's what people do all the time while swimming under water in a pool.

Answer 2

There are usually a few seconds between normal breaths and there is no risk at all. It takes from four to seven minutes for the oxygen in the blood to be so depleted that brain damage is a concern.

There are effective treatments for GERD, both medications and surgery. Holding you breath might help the sensation a little but acid still may be damaging your esophagus. Ask your doctor about treatment options.Even things as simple as elevating the head of your bed a few inches can help. Not more pillows, actually putting something under the legs or wheels to tilt the whole bed.

Untreated reflus is not just unpleasant. The damage can lead to things as serious as cancer.

Answer 3

No. It won't hurt you at all. Your body knows how to keep in balance and you will not hold your breath long enough to damage brain cells. Have you tried any medication for your reflux? I would recommend trying something to prevent it so you won't end up with complications such as esophageal problems or ulcers.

Answer 4

1 to 2 is ok, 10 to 20 is not

Answer 5

nope-not until you hold your breath for over a minute are you depriving your brain of oxygen. you will be fine. But now about the acid reflux.....

Answer 6

Most people go at least 1-2 seconds between breaths anyway. It's not holding your breath, it's how people naturally breath. If you take breaths more often than that, then you're hyperventilating.

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

ugh! I know what u mean ... I hate acid reflex ... and "no", holding your breathe for 1-2 secs isn't gonna kill a lot of brain cells ....

Answer 9

nope,we go to the Cayman Islands and my friends that live there can hold there breath and dive and spear fish for 45-50 seconds,it is amazing to watch them!

Answer 10

it isn't life affecting and it shouldn't hurt (but expect the unthinkable) you in the long run or the brain cells