Overview
Breath holding spells are common in children between six months and six years old. They can be frightening to watch but are not harmful and children grow out of them.
Signs
- Crying, then holding the breath
- Turning blue or pale
- Going limp or briefly losing consciousness
- Sometimes a few jerking movements
- Quick recovery within a minute
Causes and risk factors
They are triggered by anger, frustration, fear or pain. Iron deficiency anaemia is linked to more frequent spells, and they can run in families.
Diagnosis
A doctor diagnoses them from the description of the episodes. Blood tests may check for anaemia, and an ECG may be done in some cases.
Treatment
No special treatment is needed. Keep the child safe during an episode, stay calm and avoid reinforcing the behaviour. Iron supplements help children with anaemia.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor after the first episode to confirm the diagnosis. Seek urgent care if a child stays unconscious for more than a minute, has a long seizure, or episodes happen without a trigger.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
