The most common possible causes include Digestive: Gastroesophageal reflux disease or swallowing difficulty when associated with laryngospasm or aspiration Neurologic: Neurologic disorders (eg, seizures, brain tumors, breath holding or abnormal brain stem neuroregulation of cardiorespiratory control, hydrocephalus, brain malformations) Respiratory: Infections (eg, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, pertussis) Infectious: Sepsis, meningitis Less common possible causes include Cardiac disorders Metabolic disorders Upper airway obstruction (eg, obstructive sleep apnea) Other (eg, drug-related, anaphylaxis, abuse) Causes may be genetic or acquired.