title: Acute dyspnea in a postpartum patient.
abstract: Topical benzocaine sprays used to relieve perineal pain in postpartum patients can, rarely, lead to methemoglobinemia. In patients with other medical issues, such as anemia, methemoglobinemia can become symptomatic, causing acute dyspnea and potentially becoming life-threatening.
authors.affiliation: At Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Mich., Kenneth Fittro is a PA on the rapid response team, and William Nichols practices critical care. The authors have indicated no relationships to disclose relating to the content of this article.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fittro
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nichols
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001566:Benzocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011181:Postnatal Care; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008751:Methylene Blue; D001566:Benzocaine