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Transient Tachypnea of Newborn

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Transient Tachypnea of Newborn

(TTN; Wet Lungs; Type II Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Retained Fetal Lung Fluid; Transient RDS)

Definition

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a very fast breathing rate at birth or in the first few hours of life.

Respiratory System of an Infant.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Causes

A baby’s lungs are filled with fluid during pregnancy. TTN happens when newborns do not clear this fluid after being born. This limits the amount of oxygen a baby can breathe and causes them to breathe faster. It is not known why this happens.

Risk Factors

TTN is more common in newborn boys, large babies, and premature babies. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Birth by cesarean section with or without labor
  • Diabetes or asthma in the mother
  • Being pregnant with more than one baby

Symptoms

TTN may cause:

  • Fast breathing
  • Grunting or moaning sounds when breathing out
  • Flared nostrils
  • A chest that sinks in between the ribs with each breath
  • Skin around the mouth and nose that is blue in color

Diagnosis

The doctor will monitor a woman's pregnancy and labor history. A physical exam of the baby will be done.

An oxygen sensor may be placed on the baby's foot to find out how much oxygen is making it into the blood from the lungs. A chest x-ray may be done to look for signs of fluid.

TTN may not be diagnosed until the symptoms go away. This may not be until three days after birth.

Treatment

Babies usually get better within three days of birth. The goal of treatment is provide support and monitoring during this time. This can be done with:

  • Oxygen or breathing support
  • Fluids and nutrition by IV or a feeding tube in the nose

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent TTN.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Transient tachypnea of newborn. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/lungs/ttn.html.
  • Transient tachypnea of the newborn. Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=transient-tachypnea-of-the-newborn-90-P02420.
  • Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/transient-tachypnea-of-the-newborn-ttn.

Contributors

  • Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2023-07-10

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.