Overview
Spells follow crying, anger, fear, or a minor bump.
Children breathe again on their own.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Child holds breath and turns blue after crying
- Child holds breath while crying and turns blue or pale
Less common
- Brief fainting
When to get medical care
Call 911Not breathing for more than a minute, jerking that lasts, or a spell with no crying first.
Get care todayThe first spell.
See a doctor soonFrequent spells.
Causes
Strong emotions.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Toddlers
- Family history
Diagnosis
Your child's doctor reviews what happened.
Questions you may be asked
- What triggered it
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Iron test:
- ECG: Sometimes.
Treatment
Stay calm.
Self-care
- Lay your child on their side
- Don't put anything in their mouth
- Stay with them until they recover
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Low iron | Only if tested low. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Prevention
- Treat low iron
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your child's pediatrician.
For caregivers
- Learn the warning signs and when to call the doctor or 911.
- Keep a list of your child's medicines, doses, and doctors on your phone.
- Tell teachers, coaches, and sitters what to watch for and what to do.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Outgrown by age 6.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Breath-holding spells
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.