Differential Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress in the Newborn
Most common causes
Transient tachypnea of the newborn
Respiratory distress syndrome (hyaline membrane disease)
Meconium aspiration syndrome
Less common causes
Delayed transition
Infection (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis)
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Pneumothorax
Nonpulmonary causes: e.g.,
-Upper airway obstruction
-Congenital heart disease,
-Congenital malformation,
-Metabolic abnormalities,
-Neurologic
-Anemia,
-Polycythemia,
-Medications,
Thinking through the differential diagnosis
The first three are arranged in order of prevalence. TTN is the most common cause of respiratory distress in a newborn.
Reference
Am Fam Physician. 2007 Oct 1;76(7):987-994. Respiratory Distress in the Newborn. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1001/p987.html