Transient Tachypnea of the
NewbornWhat is transient tachypnea of the
newborn (TTN)?Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a term for a mild
respiratory problem of babies that begins after birth and lasts about
three days. Other terms for TTN are "wet lungs" or type II respiratory
distress syndrome.
- "transient" means temporary
- "tachypnea" means fast breathing rate
What causes transient tachypnea of the newborn?It is thought that slow absorption of the fluid in the fetal
lungs causes TTN. This fluid makes taking in oxygen harder and the baby
breathes faster to compensate.
Who is affected by transient tachypnea of the
newborn?About 1 to 2 percent of all newborns develop TTN. Although
premature babies can have TTN, most babies with this problem are
full-term. The condition may be more likely to develop in babies delivered
by cesarean section because the fluid in the lungs does not get squeezed
out as in a vaginal birth.
What are the symptoms of transient tachypnea of the
newborn?The following are the most common symptoms of transient
tachypnea of the newborn. However, each baby may experience symptoms
differently. Symptoms may include:
- rapid breathing rate (over 60 breaths/minute)
- grunting sounds with breathing
- flaring of the nostrils
- retractions (pulling in at the ribs with breathing)
The symptoms of TTN may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis.
How is transient tachypnea of the newborn diagnosed?Chest x-rays are often used to help diagnose TTN. On x-ray, the
lungs show a streaked appearance and appear over-inflated. X-rays are a
diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to
produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. However,
it may be difficult to tell whether the problem is TTN or another kind of
respiratory problem such as hyaline membrane disease. Often, TTN is
diagnosed when symptoms suddenly resolve by the third day of life.
Treatment for transient tachypnea of the newborn: Specific treatment for transient tachypnea of the newborn will
be determined by your baby's physician based on:
- your baby's gestational age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the condition
- your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or
therapies
- expectations for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- supplemental oxygen given by mask on the baby's face or by placing
the baby under an oxygen hood
- blood tests (to measure blood oxygen levels)
- continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - a mechanical breathing
machine that pushes a continuous flow of air or oxygen to the airways to
help keep tiny air passages in the lungs open.
Tube feedings may also be necessary if the baby's breathing rate is too
high, because of the risk of aspiration of the food.
Once TTN goes away, the baby usually recovers quickly and has no
increased risk for additional respiratory problems.
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web. |