Breath holding spell

Treatment:

No treatment is indicated for this condition. However, the breath holding behavior should not be "rewarded" by undue attention following the episodes as this may encourage repeat behavior.

Expectations (prognosis):

This condition normally goes away without treatment before the child is 2 years old.

Complications:

Breath holding may be mistaken for seizures, and seizures may be mistaken for breath holding, so be sure to have your physician make an evaluation.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child exhibits breath holding behaviors, especially if this is a new behavior for the child or if the child does this frequently.