Breath-holding spell: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help if the child:

   • Does not resume normal breathing promptly
   • Remains unresponsive or is difficult to awaken
   • Has ongoing or prolonged stiffening or jerking
   • Develops persistent breathing difficulty or an abnormal color after the spell
   • Is seriously injured during the event
   • Collapses during exercise
   • Has signs of a severe allergic reaction, choking, poisoning, or another medical emergency

   If the child is not breathing normally and is unresponsive, call emergency services and begin age-appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation if trained.

   Emergency dispatchers can provide instructions.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice if spells begin before 6 months of age, first appear after early childhood, occur without crying, pain, or fright, happen during sleep or exercise, or involve a slow or incomplete recovery.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine follow-up if this is the child’s first suspected breath-holding spell, the episodes are becoming more frequent, or caregivers are unsure whether the pattern is typical.

   Follow-up is also appropriate if the child has a limited diet, looks unusually pale, has low energy, or has previously had anemia or low iron.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Breath-holding spell. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.