Neurological
Medicines for Breath-holding spells
Episodes in young children where they briefly stop breathing when upset or in pain, sometimes going pale or blue and passing out — frightening but harmless, and outgrown.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Breath-holding spells?
Breath-holding spells are episodes, usually in babies and young children (commonly between about six months and six years), in which the child briefly stops breathing, typically after being upset, frightened, in pain, or having a sudden fright. Despite the name, they are involuntary — the child is not doing it on purpose or to get their own way.
- How it is treated: The most important part of care is reassurance and understanding, once the diagnosis is confirmed — that breath-holding spells, though terrifying to see, are harmless and self-limiting, and the child grows out of them.
- Self-care: During an episode, stay calm, lay the child safely on their side, and do not shake them, splash water, or put anything in their mouth — it resolves on its own.
- When to seek help: See a GP to confirm the diagnosis, especially for a first episode or unusual features, and to check for iron deficiency.
What it is
Breath-holding spells are episodes, usually in babies and young children (commonly between about six months and six years), in which the child briefly stops breathing, typically after being upset, frightened, in pain, or having a sudden fright. Despite the name, they are involuntary — the child is not doing it on purpose or to get their own way. There are two main types. In the "blue" type, the child cries, then holds their breath in expiration, goes blue around the lips, and may briefly lose consciousness and go limp, before quickly recovering. In the "pale" type, often triggered by a sudden fright or pain, the child goes pale and faints suddenly, sometimes with little crying. Episodes are brief and the child recovers quickly, often within a minute, sometimes seeming sleepy afterwards. They are very frightening for parents to witness, but they are harmless, do not cause brain damage, and children grow out of them, usually by school age.
How it is treated
The most important part of care is reassurance and understanding, once the diagnosis is confirmed — that breath-holding spells, though terrifying to see, are harmless and self-limiting, and the child grows out of them. During an episode, the key is to stay calm, keep the child safe (lay them down on their side to prevent injury if they lose consciousness), and not to shake, splash water on, or put anything in the child's mouth. The episode resolves on its own within a short time. Because breath-holding spells can be associated with iron deficiency in some children, a doctor may check for and treat this, as correcting iron levels can reduce the frequency of spells. A first episode, or episodes with unusual features, should be assessed to confirm the diagnosis and, importantly, to distinguish them from other causes such as seizures or heart-rhythm problems (which the pale type can occasionally mimic). Otherwise, no specific treatment is usually needed. The reassuring message is that breath-holding spells are harmless, children are not doing them deliberately, and they are outgrown.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Breath-holding spells
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
During an episode, stay calm, lay the child safely on their side, and do not shake them, splash water, or put anything in their mouth — it resolves on its own. Reassurance, and checking for and treating any iron deficiency, are the main measures. Avoid rewarding or punishing the behaviour, as it is involuntary.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP to confirm the diagnosis, especially for a first episode or unusual features, and to check for iron deficiency. Seek urgent help if a child does not recover quickly, has jerking that continues, does not start breathing again promptly, or you are worried it may be a seizure.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Breath-holding spells: frequently asked questions
Are breath-holding spells dangerous?
No — despite being very frightening to witness, they are harmless and do not cause brain damage. Children recover quickly and grow out of them, usually by school age. A doctor should confirm the diagnosis and check for iron deficiency.
Is my child holding their breath on purpose?
No — breath-holding spells are involuntary, not deliberate or manipulative. They happen as a reflex when a child is upset, frightened or in pain. Rewarding or punishing the behaviour is not appropriate, as the child is not doing it on purpose.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Breath-holding spells
- RCPCH guidance
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