ABSTRACT
An adequate explanation of blue breath-holding should precede any discussion of management. Breath-holding attacks, whether blue or white, can be very frightening for most parents, particularly those who have never seen one before. In view of the likely anxiety generated by any breath-holding episode, the assessment process and any intervention should be preceded by active listening. All children with white attacks and any child whose blue attacks have an atypical history should be referred to a paediatrician. Referral to a paediatrician should also be made in the presence of other paediatric conditions such as developmental delay, or any other potential cause of seizures. The intervention that works best is active ignoring. The intervention that works best is active ignoring. As with the management of tantrums the child should be given minimal or no attention, so as not to reinforce the breath-holding behaviour.
