Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)

DEFINITION

Transient tachypnea of ​​the Newborn (TTN) is a condition where there is difficulty in breathing in infants, with low levels of oxygen in the blood, which is temporary.

CAUSE

Transient tachypnea occur due to excess fluid in the lungs after the baby is born. This disorder usually occurs in newborns who were born a few weeks ahead of time should or could be in infants who had quite the month. However, transient tachypnea is more common in babies born via cesarean section, especially if the mother has not been entered in the stage of labor (for example on a scheduled Caesarean section).

Before birth, the lungs fill with fluid. Soon after birth, the fluid to be lost from the lungs so it can be filled with air and the baby can breathe normally. Most of fluid in the lungs can be issued when babies are born via vaginal delivery, where the baby's chest will be under pressure as it passes through the birth canal. Too much liquid is absorbed quickly by the cells in the lungs. Absorption is triggered by the release of hormones at birth. However, if the fluid absorption does not take place quickly, then the lungs are still partially filled with liquid and newborn into difficulty in breathing.

Transient tachypnea is more likely to occur in infants:

·         born by Caesarean section

·         born before 38 weeks gestation

·         having a mother with diabetes

·         had mothers with asthma

SYMPTOMS

Newborns with transient tachypnea have difficulty breathing immediately after birth, usually within 1-2 hours. The symptoms can be found in the form:

·         rapid breathing

·         the retraction of the chest wall when breathing

·         flared nostrils while breathing

·         the snoring sound like a baby when exhaling

·         bluish skin color, especially around the mouth and nose, if the oxygen levels in the blood is low

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on symptoms exist, and is supported by the results of the examination. Chest x-rays showed an increase of fluid in the lungs. Additionally, blood tests can be done to get rid of the infection.

TREATMENT

Most newborns with transient tachypnea can perfectly recover within 2-3 days, ie after fluid in the lungs has been absorbed completely. The only treatment that is usually required is oxygen. Oxygen is needed to maintain oxygen levels in the blood remains stable.

In rare cases, some newborns may require aids to breathe, such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which makes the newborn to breathe by itself to provide air or oxygen low pressure to the baby's nose, or with the aid of a ventilator.

Rapid respiratory rate can make it difficult to get a baby's food intake. Therefore, fluids and nutrients may be given intravenously to infants has improved.

REFERENCE

- K, Arthur E. Transient tachypnea. Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. 2009.

- L, Kimberly G. Transient tachypnea - Newborn. Medline Plus. 2011.

- T, Jennifer A. Transient tachypnea of ​​the Newborn. Kids Health. 2012.