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Breath-Holding Spells

A breath-holding spell is a brief episode in which a young child stops breathing after crying, pain, fear or frustration. The child may turn blue or pale and may briefly lose consciousness.

Breath-holding spells are involuntary and are related to an automatic nervous-system response. Iron deficiency can be associated with more frequent spells in some children.

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AAP Guide to Breath-Holding Spells

The AAP guide below explains what happens during a spell, what you should do and when your child needs medical evaluation.

AAP Symptom CheckerBreath-holding spells

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • This is your child’s first breath-holding spell.
  • Spells happen often or are becoming more severe.
  • Your child is injured during a spell.
  • The episode includes unusual movements or does not look like a typical breath-holding spell.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Breathing does not restart promptly.
  • Your child does not recover normally after the spell.
  • Your child has a prolonged seizure or another life-threatening symptom.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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