Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn?
A neonatologist, a doctor who cares for sick newborn babies, usually treats transient tachypnea of the newborn. A pediatrician, a doctor for children, may also help care for the baby. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is transient tachypnea of the newborn?
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a breathing disorder seen shortly after delivery, most often in early term or late preterm babies. Transient means it is short-lived, most often less than 48 hours. Tachypnea means rapid breathing. Most newborns normally breathe 40 to 60 times per minute, and a baby with TTN breathes faster than that.
TTN is also called wet lungs or retained fetal lung fluid. Leftover fluid in the lungs causes the baby to breathe rapidly. It is harder for the small air sacs of the lungs to stay open.
Symptoms
Newborns with TTN have breathing problems soon after birth, usually starting within 1 to 2 hours. Signs can include:
- Rapid breathing, which may occur with noises such as grunting.
- Flaring nostrils, which means the nostrils widen with each breath.
- Retractions, which are movements between the ribs or breastbone as the baby works to breathe.
- Bluish skin color, called cyanosis.
Causes and who gets it
Before birth, the baby's lungs make a special fluid that fills the lungs and helps them grow. When a baby is born at term, hormones released during labor tell the lungs to stop making this fluid, and the lungs start removing it. The first few breaths after delivery fill the lungs with air. This helps clear most of the leftover fluid. TTN is more likely in babies who are:
- Born before 38 completed weeks of pregnancy.
- Delivered by cesarean birth (C-section), especially if labor has not already started.
- Born to a mother with diabetes or asthma.
- Twins.
Babies born by C-section without labor have more fluid in their airways at birth. This raises their risk.
How doctors diagnose it
The mother's pregnancy and labor history are important to make the diagnosis. Tests on the baby may include:
- A blood count and blood culture to rule out infection.
- A chest x-ray to rule out other causes of breathing problems.
- Blood gases, which check the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
- Continuous monitoring of the baby's oxygen levels, breathing, and heart rate.
The diagnosis is most often made after the baby is monitored for 2 or 3 days. If the condition goes away in that time, it is considered to be transient.
Treatment
The baby will be given oxygen. Sometimes the baby also gets CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to keep the blood oxygen level and breathing rate stable. The baby will often need the most support within a few hours after birth and will usually begin to improve after that. In the hospital, breathing support that does not use a breathing tube, especially CPAP, is currently the mainstay of care for TTN. Very rapid breathing usually means a baby cannot eat. So fluids and nutrients are given through a vein until the baby improves. The baby may also receive antibiotics if there is concern for infection. Most infants with TTN improve in less than 24 to 48 hours, but some need help for a few days. Sometimes babies need help with breathing or feeding for a week or more, usually if they are premature.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a baby has trouble or abnormal breathing, or bluish or grey skin. In most cases, babies who had TTN need only routine checkups. Some evidence shows that babies with TTN may have a higher risk of wheezing problems later in infancy. Mention the TTN history at checkups.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After the baby leaves the hospital, such a doctor can do routine checkups, answer questions about feeding or wheezing, and help coordinate care with a children's specialist if needed.
Common questions
How long does transient tachypnea of the newborn last?
Transient tachypnea of the newborn most often goes away within 48 to 72 hours after delivery. Most infants improve in less than 24 to 48 hours, but some need help for a few days.
Who is more likely to get TTN?
Babies born before 38 completed weeks, babies delivered by C-section, babies born to mothers with diabetes or asthma, and twins are more likely to get TTN. The risk is greatest for babies delivered by C-section, especially if labor has not already started.
Will my baby have lasting problems after TTN?
In most cases, no. Babies who have had TTN may be at a higher risk for wheezing problems later in infancy.
Can transient tachypnea of the newborn become serious?
Yes, in some babies it can. It has long been considered a mild condition that clears up on its own in most newborns, but some babies develop more severe breathing trouble.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Transient tachypnea - newborn
- NCBI PMC - Evaluating Clinical Outcomes and Physiological Perspectives in Studies Investigating Respiratory Support for Babies Born at Term With or at Risk of Transient Tachypnea: A Narrative Review
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
