Wellness Library

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)

A nasal cannula may be used to give your baby extra oxygen. A flow meter controls the amount of oxygen delivered.
In the womb, the baby gets oxygen (air) from the placenta. Since the baby doesn’t have to breathe, its lungs are filled with fluid. During and after birth, some of this fluid is pushed out. The rest is absorbed into the baby’s lung tissue. TTN occurs when too much fluid is left in the lungs after the birth. This makes it hard for the baby to take in air. The baby breathes harder and faster to get enough air. The main symptom of TTN is tachypnea (rapid breathing). "Transient" means "passing with time." A newborn usually has TTN for only a short time.

 

How Is TTN Diagnosed?

A doctor or nurse may first listen to the baby’s chest or breathing pattern. A chest x-ray can often detect excess fluid in the lungs. The level of oxygen in the baby’s blood is measured with a blood sample or with a device (pulse oximeter) taped to the baby’s hand or foot. This shows whether the baby needs to be given extra oxygen.

 

What Are the Treatments for TTN?

A CPAP device helps keep your baby’s airways open and helps clear fluid from the lungs.
The baby’s pulse, breathing, and blood oxygen levels are monitored. This helps to make sure they are in a safe range. Oxygen may be given using:

  • A nasal cannula (soft tubes fixed under the baby’s nostrils).

  • An oxygen hood (a clear plastic box that fits around the baby’s head).

  • A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This machine pushes a small amount of air continuously into the baby’s lungs. It helps hold open the airways and clear fluid.

 

What Are the Long-Term Effects?

In most cases, TTN causes no complications and clears up within 72 hours. Breast or bottle feeding may not be possible until the baby is able to breathe normally. There are no known long-term effects on the baby’s lungs. Your baby’s healthcare provider can tell you more about your baby’s situation.