Some times, a newborn may take the first few breaths of his life in quick succession than what a baby normally takes. This condition is termed as transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).
Nearly 1to 2 percent of infants develop this problem of lung condition however, it settles down after treatment of a few days. Also has no lasting effect on growth and development.
It is also termed as ‘wet lungs’ or type II respiratory distress syndrome. Generally, the condition lasts between 24 to 72 hours.
Transient Tachypnea of the newborn:
When the baby is in womb, its lungs are occupied with fluid. Therefore, it does not make use of its lungs for breathing purposes and this job is carried forward by placenta through which it is connected with the mother.
During delivery when the baby is passing through the birth canal, some amount of fluid is squeezed out replacing air for breathing purposes while the remaining fluid is coughed or absorbed by the blood stream.
In case of infants with TTN, there is extra fluid in the lungs or the absorption process is too slow. Consequent upon which, the baby is not able to get the required amount of oxygen and so it starts breathing in quick succession to compensate.
Causes of TTN:
Its hard to predict whether a child will have TTN before its born. It may occur in both premature and as well as full time babies.
Premature babies may have it coz their lungs are not fully developed. However, if the baby is delivered by C- section or is born to a mother who took ‘puffing’ during pregnancy or if the mother is diabetic, there are chances of having TTN.
Signs of TTN:
1. Breathing in quick succession
2. Making grunting or moaning sounds while breathing out
3. Flaring nostrils or head bobbing
4. Retractions or pulling of skin in between ribs during labored breathing
5. Blueness or lividness of the skin, (as from imperfectly oxygenated blood) around mouth and nose
Treatment:
Infants diagnosed with TTN are closely observed and monitored especially their heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen level at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
If their oxygen level decreases, oxygen hood is provided to them for receiving extra oxygen. However, even if the baby struggles to breathe, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used which provides air flow through the lungs. CPCA constantly pushes a stream of pressurized air into the baby’s nose to help keep the lungs open as he or she breathes.
In sever case babies are kept under ventilator support.
Since the baby is breathing rapidly, nutrition could pose a problem as infant can’t suck, swallow or breathe at the same time. So intravenous (IV) fluids are given to them as it endows them with hydration and prevents the blood sugar from dipping to dangerously low levels.
If your baby has TTN and you want to breast-feed, talk to your doctor about maintaining your milk supply by using a breast pump while your infant receives IV fluids.
Within 24 to 48 hours, the breathing in infants with TTN typically improves and returns to normal, and within 72 hours, all symptoms of TTN typically dissipate altogether.
