TTN (Transient Tachypnea of Newborn)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What is TTN?
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.
What causes TTN?
Your baby's lungs are filled with fluid while he or she is in the womb. All of your baby's oxygen comes from the blood vessels of the placenta. Fluid begins to clear from your baby's lungs as his or her due date gets close. More of it clears as your baby moves down the birth canal. The rest is cleared when your baby takes his or her first breaths after birth.
What increases my baby's risk for TTN?
- Delivered by cesarean section, especially an elective cesarean without labor
- Diabetes or asthma in his or her mother
- Babies who are small or large for their gestational age
- Being male
What are the signs and symptoms of TTN?
- Fast, hard breathing (more than 60 breaths in a minute)
- Grunting or moaning sounds when your baby breathes out
- The skin between your baby's ribs pulls in with each breath
- Nostrils open wider or head bobs when your baby breathes in
- Bluish color around your baby's mouth or nose
How is TTN diagnosed?
TTN may look like other respiratory problems, such as pneumonia or immature lungs. Your baby's healthcare provider may use chest x-rays along with a physical exam to help with the diagnosis. The provider may also use any of the following:
- A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your baby's blood.
- A blood test may be done to check for infection.
How is TTN treated?
Healthcare providers will watch your baby closely until TTN goes away. Your baby may need any of the following:
- Extra oxygen may be needed if your baby's blood oxygen level is lower than it should be.
- 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 for nutrition and hydration. 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 plan on breastfeeding. They will help you get your milk supply going until your baby is ready to feed.
Call 911 if:
- Your baby is having trouble breathing.
- Your baby has fast, hard breathing (more than 60 breaths in a minute).
- The skin between your baby's ribs pulls in with each breath.
- Your baby's skin is blue or gray.
When should I contact my baby's healthcare provider?
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
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Further information
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