What is a common symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn?

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is commonly characterized by respiratory distress in newborns, primarily due to retained fetal lung fluid. A notable symptom of this condition is grunting, which occurs as the newborn attempts to increase intrathoracic pressure to improve lung ventilation and gas exchange. The grunting sound is produced during expiration when the baby makes an effort to keep the air in the lungs, which is particularly evident when there is difficulty in breathing.

In preparing for a clinical situation involving a newborn, the presence of grunting can serve as a key indicator of respiratory distress related to TTN. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor this symptom for both assessment and management purposes, as it often indicates a newborn's struggle with breathing primarily influenced by this transient condition. Understanding this symptom can help in differentiating TTN from other respiratory issues in neonates.