During a breath-holding spell, a child holds his or her breath in reaction to anger, frustration, injury or fear. The child's skin may first turn red, and then the lips may turn blue. Ultimately, he or she loses consciousness. Within one minute, the child begins to breathe normally, awakens, and becomes alert quickly.

Breath-holding occurs in children between 6 months and 2 years of age. Breath-holding spells that do not result in loss of consciousness are very common: they are considered normal responses to frustration.