TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA
(Tran-z-ent Ta-kip-knee-ah)
CONTENT
What is Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn
What causes transient tachypnea
What are the signs and symptoms
How is it treated
When will my baby feel better
What can a parent do
WHAT IS TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA OF THE NEWBORN
1.Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) is fast breathing (tachypnea) in the first few hours after birth that gradually gets better.
WHAT CAUSES TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA
1.TTN is thought to be caused by the retention of and slow absorption of fetal lung fluid after the baby’s birth.
2.Before birth, while your baby was in your uterus, his/her lungs were filled with fluid.
3.Some of this fluid is squeezed out as the baby comes down the birth canal.
4.The baby absorbs the rest of the fluid during the first few hours of life, but in some babies this may take several days.
5.TTN is more common in term or near-term infants; especially those babies delivered by cesarean section or who have had a precipitous (sudden), stressful delivery. Sometimes we don’t know why TTN happens.
a.The baby delivered by a cesarean section is at risk because he/she does not pass though the birth canal and the fluid is not squeezed out at the time of birth
b.The baby delivered during a precipitous (sudden), stressful delivery is at risk because he/she passes through the birth canal so rapidly there isn’t enough time for some of the fluid to be squeezed out.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
1.Tachypnea (breathing very fast).
2.Grunting (the baby may make the “ugh” sound each time he/she breathes out).
3.Nasal Flaring (baby opens his/her nose wider with each breath to take in more air).
4.Retractions (the chest sinks in at the ribs and breastbone).
5.Tachycardia (fast heart rate).
6.Cyanosis (bluish color).
HOW IS IT TREATED
1.Each baby is treated individually since each baby has different needs.
2.Your baby will have his/her vital signs—respirations, heart rate, temperature and BP—measured frequently.
3.Your baby will have his/her blood oxygen level monitored.
4.Your baby may need extra oxygen to stay pink and to keep his/her blood oxygen level normal.
5.We may give your baby extra oxygen in any one of the following ways:
a.Oxyhood: a clear plastic round box that is placed over your baby’s head, this does not keep your baby from breathing
b.Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP): this is oxygen delivered under a small amount of pressure through little tubes or prongsthat fit into the baby’s nose or by a mask placed over the baby’s nose. Delivering oxygen under pressure helps keep the fluid out of the lung’s air sacs and may speed up the absorption of the lung fluid
c.Nasal prongs: this is oxygen delivered, without pressure, through little tubes or prongs that fit into the baby’s nose.
6.Other treatments may include: but remember every baby has different needs:
a.Start an IV to give your baby fluids, medicines and/or for drawing lab specimens
b.Stop feedings for a short while—it is hard for your baby to breath and still be able to breast or bottle-feed
c.Start antibiotics—to limit the chance of your baby getting an infection.
WHEN WILL MY BABY FEEL BETTER
1.The time for TTN to resolve (go away) is different for each baby.
2.The TTN may last only a few hours or it may last for several days.
3.Gradually your baby’s need for oxygen will decrease.
4.Then your baby’s respirations will slowlydecrease (become slower) and return to normal.
5.The team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and respiratory therapists caring for your baby will talk with you each time you visit to keep you informed and up-to-date on your baby’s condition.
WHAT CAN A PARENT DO
- Keep up with your baby’s progress each time you visit or call.
- We encourage you to continue to visit but we try to keep stimulation to a minimum.
a.Talking softly and/or singing to your baby, gently touching them or holding them close if may be possible; each baby is different
b.Talk with your baby’s nurse before you do any of these activities.
- An important part of the baby getting better is the parents’ love and concern.
- Your love and attention will go a long way in helping your little one on the road to recovery.
- Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and try avoiding people who are sick (have the flu, a cold, a cough).
- If you do get sick—have a fever, cough, a cold or flu—you may want to stay at home and visit when you are feeling better.
- If you are unable to visit, please call frequently and check on your baby.
Reviewed/Revised: 9/06.....06/13
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