Transient tachypnea

Definition

Transient tachypnea is a temporary condition characterized by rapid breathing in newborns, typically within the first few hours of life. It is often caused by delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid and usually resolves without intervention within 48-72 hours.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transient tachypnea primarily affects full-term or near-term infants.
2. The condition is more common in cesarean-delivered infants due to lack of hormonal changes associated with labor.
3. Symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing, grunting, and nasal flaring.
4. Management often involves supportive care such as oxygen supplementation and monitoring.
5. Proper maternal nutrition may influence fetal lung development, potentially impacting the incidence of transient tachypnea.

Review Questions

• What are the primary symptoms of transient tachypnea?
• How does the mode of delivery impact the likelihood of developing transient tachypnea?
• In what timeframe does transient tachypnea usually resolve?

Related terms

Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A condition where premature infants have underdeveloped lungs deficient in surfactant, causing difficulty in breathing.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia:

A chronic lung disorder that can affect premature infants who have received mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy.

Neonatal Hypoglycemia: A condition where a newborn has lower than normal blood sugar levels, which can be influenced by maternal diabetes and other nutritional factors.