TTN (Transient Tachypnea of Newborn)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
TTN is fast and hard breathing that begins within the first hours after birth and then goes away. TTN happens when there is extra fluid in your baby's lungs or the fluid is slow to clear from his or her lungs. Your baby breathes faster and harder as he or she tries to get oxygen into his or her lungs. TTN usually goes away on its own within a few days of treatment in the hospital.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Monitoring:
A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your baby's blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your baby's foot, toe, hand, finger, or earlobe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Never turn the pulse oximeter or alarm off. An alarm will sound if your baby's oxygen level is low or cannot be read.
Tests:
- Chest x-rays are done to check for an infection in your baby's lungs.
- A blood test is done to check for an infection.
Treatment:
- Your child may need extra oxygen if his or her blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Oxygen may be given through a mask or through small tubes placed in your child's nostrils. Ask a healthcare provider before you take off the mask or tubing.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used if your baby continues to have trouble breathing even with extra oxygen. CPAP is a machine that continues to push pressurized air into your baby's lungs. The air goes through a tube in your baby's nose and keeps your baby's lungs open when he or she breathes.
- An IV is used to give liquids. Liquids help prevent dehydration. They may be given if your baby is breathing so fast that he or she cannot feed and breathe at the same time. This will keep your baby's blood sugar levels from going too low. Talk to healthcare providers if you planned on breastfeeding. They will tell you how to keep your milk flowing until your baby is ready to feed.
RISKS:
Your baby may need to be on a machine called a ventilator to help him or her breathe. The ventilator may be used if your baby cannot breathe on his or her own or other treatments do not work.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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