What Is Transient Tachypnea?
This condition is seen in newborns during the first few hours after delivery. Transient means short span, and tachypnea means shortness of breathing, hence the symptoms of this condition. It is a benign condition that is short-lived and sometimes caused by delays in clearing the fluid of the lungs at the time of birth. The symptoms related to this state usually resolve in three days in newborns. Almost ten percent of infants are born between 33 to 34 weeks, five percent are born between 35 to 36 weeks, and almost one percent are born full term. This type of respiratory condition is usually seen in early or late-term babies.
What Are the Causes of Transient Tachypnea of Newborn?
Before birth, the lungs of the infants have fluid inside. This fluid absorbs as the hormone changes occur during intrauterine life and further absorbs during birth through the birth canal. In the end, as the baby starts breathing, the left-out fluid gets absorbed on its own. On the other hand, if the fluid does not absorb and there is too much of it left in the lungs, the baby has difficulty taking oxygen into the lungs. Due to this, babies breathe faster and harder to take in oxygen which causes breathlessness or shortness of breath in them.
Who Is at Risk for Transient Tachypnea of Newborn?
This condition is usually seen in full-term babies. However, there are other situations where a baby can have this condition, such as babies born with cesarean delivery. In this situation, the baby does not undergo any type of hormonal change as a baby born with vaginal delivery would have. Due to no hormonal changes, fluid absorption in the lungs is delayed. This causes respiratory complications. Moreover, if the mother has asthma and diabetes, there are more possibilities that a child will be born with this condition too.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Transient Tachypnea of Newborn?
There are multiple symptoms seen associated with this condition in newborns. However, every newborn can experience different symptoms, such as:
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The breathing rate of more than 60 breaths per minute.
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Flaring of the nostrils.
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Pulled-in ribs.
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Grunting sound.
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Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin due to decreasing blood oxygen levels. It is the symptom often seen with conditions like tachypnea.
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Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rate increases by over 100 beats per minute. However, a high heart rate is not the only sign of health complications. For instance, even exercise or emotional stress can also cause this condition.
How to Diagnose Transient Tachypnea of Newborn?
There are multiple options to diagnose this condition, such as:
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A mother’s labor history plays an essential part in diagnosing the condition. So, doctors should lead with this question.
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In severe conditions, doctors may recommend a chest X-ray to get an idea about the cause of this condition. Moreover, it also shows signs of hyperinflation, prominent perihilar vascular markings, edema, or fluid accumulation in the fissure.
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A blood count for ruling out any infections associated with transient tachypnea.
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Blood culture to check if there is an infectious condition related to this.
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ABG (arterial blood gas) analysis is also used to determine hypoxia (low oxygen level in the blood) or hypocapnia (decrease in the carbon dioxide level) due to tachypnea.
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Echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart to out congenital cardiac defects in the newborn. It evaluates the activity of the heart and its values in regard to pumping blood.
How to Treat Transient Tachypnea of Newborn?
Although transient tachypnea can resolve on its own, there are a few options available for the treatment of this condition, such as:
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To maintain a regular pulse in the newborn, doctors might recommend giving oxygen. This can be given with the help of a small tube under the nose called a nasal cannula.
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A pulse oximeter or blood gas monitor can be used to estimate saturated blood oxygen levels.
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Also, blood tests can be used to continuously keep an eye on oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
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During the first few hours after birth, newborns have a high requirement for oxygen. This can decrease with time.
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Most transient tachypnea resolves within 24 hours after birth.
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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended for the newborn. It is a mechanical ventilation system that gives continuous airflow or oxygen and prevents the possibility of lung collapse by keeping the lung passage open till the breathing gets normal again.
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If an infant has severe irregular breathing, doctors usually recommend stopping the feeding until it gets normal.
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It is very difficult to feed a baby during this condition due to the fear of choking on the food. It is very difficult for a baby to suck, swallow, or even breathe. For this time, intravenous nutrition is given to keep the baby hydrated. This can also prevent the blood sugar from dropping down too low and create other complications.
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In this condition, doctors do not recommend breastfeeding; milk can be pumped and stored until the baby’s breathing is normal again. During this time baby can get milk or formula through other options such as:
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Nasogastric Tube: It is a tube placed through the nose of the baby that brings food directly to the stomach.
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Orogastric Tube: A small tube placed into the baby’s mouth carries food to the stomach.
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In some cases, doctors recommend tube feeding due to a high respiration rate and fear of food aspiration.
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Until doctors rule out the presence of an infection associated with this condition, they may prescribe some antibiotics as well.
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It is very unlikely for a newborn to have this lung condition for more than a week.
Conclusion:
Transient tachypnea generally resolves by itself within a day. Moreover, if a baby has this condition at the time of birth, there are very few to no chances that they will have the same condition in the future. Only routine follow-up visits after birth can be sufficient to take care of their health.
