Transient tachypnea - newborn

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

TTN; Wet lungs - newborns; Retained fetal lung fluid; Transient RDS


Symptoms

Newborns with transient tachypnea have respiratory problems soon after birth, usually within 1 - 2 hours.

Symptoms include:

  • Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
  • Rapid, noisy breathing, such as grunting
  • Flaring nostrils or movements between the ribs or breastbone known as retractions

Signs and tests

The mother’s pregnancy and labor history are important to make the diagnosis.

Tests performed on the baby may include:

  • Chest x-ray to rule out other causes of breathing problems
  • Blood count and blood culture to rule out infection
  • Continous monitoring of the baby's oxygen levels, breathing, and heart rate

Transient tachypnea is usually diagnosed after monitoring your baby for 1 - 2 days.



Review Date: 12/18/2009
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/18/2009).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)