Transient Tachypnea of Newborn Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Transient tachypnea of newborns is a condition when the baby’s breathing rate is very fast in newborns. This condition lasts only a short time. Less than 24 hours after the birth of the baby, the symptoms will generally subside and the respiratory rate will gradually return to normal.
Babies who experience transient tachypnea of newborns generally need to be treated intensively in the hospital to get oxygen and close monitoring. Although it often worries parents, generally transient tachypnea of newborns is not dangerous and has no effect on the baby’s growth and development.
Transient Tachypnea of Newborn Symptoms
Symptoms and signs that appear in transient tachypnea of newborns include:
- Bluish skin
- Shortness of breath with increased frequency
- Moan
- The chest muscle pull is clearly visible as the baby tries to breathe
- There is nostril breathing
- These symptoms are generally immediately visible 1-2 hours after the baby is born.
Transient Tachypnea of Newborn Reason
While in the womb, the fetal lungs produce fluid which is important for lung development. At birth, the production of this fluid stops. Existing fluid will be reabsorbed by the lungs and then replaced with breathing air.
Under certain conditions, the fluid in the lungs is not completely absorbed and some remains. The remaining fluid in the lungs accelerates the baby’s breathing because his lungs are trying to expel fluid.
Transient tachypnea often occurs in infants with the following conditions:
- Born before 38 weeks of gestation
- Born by Caesarean section
- Born to a mother with diabetes
- Baby boy
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of transient tachypnea of newborns is carried out through physical examination and supporting examinations.
Tachypnea means rapid respiratory rate, above 60 times per minute. Transient means temporary because generally this disturbance lasts a short time, less than 24 hours.
So the diagnosis of transient tachypnea of newborns can be determined by the occurrence of an increase in the baby’s respiratory rate which lasts less than 24 hours. The diagnosis is then confirmed by supporting examinations.
Some of the supporting examinations carried out include:
- Chest X-rays, usually the results will show an image of fluid in the lungs. However, some cases show normal chest X-ray results.
- Oxymetry, or a test that measures oxygen levels in the blood. In the case of Transient tachypnea of newborns, generally the blood oxygen level in the body only decreases slightly. This decrease can be corrected by administering additional oxygen through a mask.
- Blood tests, carried out to ensure the presence or absence of infection.
Transient Tachypnea of Newborn Treatment
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Administration of oxygen
The main treatment for transient tachypnea of newborns is the administration of additional oxygen so that oxygen levels in the blood are maintained stable.
Giving oxygen can generally slowly be reduced at 12-24 hours after birth when conditions begin to improve and symptoms subside. However, in some cases, oxygen administration must be continued until several days after birth.
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Providing fluids and nutrition
Shortness of breath often makes it difficult for babies to breastfeed and has the potential to dehydrate them. To prevent this, the installation of fluid-filled infusions and administration of nutrients through blood vessels can be the solution.
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics will be given to the baby if there is a suspicion of infection.
Complications
Most cases of transient tachypnea of newborns will improve within 24 hours without leaving significant complications. However, some cases can develop to be more severe.
Usually makes the baby experience hypoxia (body’s oxygen levels far below normal), causing blood pH tends to be acidic, and then has the potential to cause respiratory failure.
Prevention
Transient tachypnea of newborns can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors that are the easiest to control, namely avoiding cesarean deliveries. If a cesarean delivery really needs to be done, as far as possible, do this delivery after the 39th week of pregnancy.