Rapid Breathing in Newborns

It is not uncommon for newborn babies to experience periods of rapid breathing. If your baby appears to be in distress, he should be seen by a pediatrician or neonatologist immediately.

  1. Transient Tachypnea

    • Transient tachypnea, or TTN, is the medical term for respiratory problems in newborns that are mild in nature. Usually, it begins soon after birth, and only lasts for a few days. This condition is also called type II respiratory distress syndrome or "wet lungs." Tachypnea is the medical term for a fast rate of breathing.

    Causes

    • Doctors think that TTN is caused by excess fluids left in the lungs after birth. Most fluid is pushed out of the lungs during normal birth, but fast births and cesareans do not allow all the fluid time to be expressed.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms include flaring nostrils, grunting with each breath, taking more than 60 breaths per minute and retractions, which are breaths that pull in at the rib cage.

    Diagnosis

    • X-rays of the chest are most frequently used to diagnose this condition. Films will show the lungs to be overinflated with a streaked appearance.

    Treatment

    • Treatment will depend on your baby's age, health and medical history as well as the severity of the condition. Baby may receive additional oxygen, time on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, and/or tube feedings.

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