Transient tachypnea - newborn

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

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


Treatment

Your baby will be given oxygen as needed to maintain an adequate blood oxygen level. Your baby’s oxygen requirement will usually be highest within a few hours after birth and then begin to decrease. Most infants with transient tachypnea improve in less than 12 - 24 hours.

Very rapid breathing can cause the baby to feed ineffectively. Fluids and nutrients will be given through a vein until your baby improves. Your baby may also receive antibiotics until infection is ruled out. Rarely, babies with transient tachypnea may have persistent lung problems for as long as 1 week.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

The condition usually goes away completely within 24 - 48 hours after delivery. Babies who have had transient tachypnea usually have no further problems associated with the condition, and do not need special care or follow-up other than their routine pediatrician visits.


Complications


Calling your health care provider



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)