Pain control in palliative care

ABC of palliative care. Principles of palliative care and pain control.

Cancer Pain & Palliative Care Section

Objective. The increasing incidence of cancer survivorship has shifted treatment of cancer-related pain from short-term analgesia to long-term chronic pain management. As a result, alternatives to oral analgesics, such as intrathecal therapy, may be beneficial for patients with cancer-related pain. The authors review the use of intrathecal therapy in the management of cancer-related pain. Metho...

Cannabinoids in chronic pain and palliative care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Several studies have focused on Cannabis sativa (Cs) due to its analgesic potential and its ability to alleviate symptoms of disorders of the central nervous system. However, since marijuana, one of its popular names, is the most common illicit drug throughout the world, it breeds prejudice both among lay people and health care professionals. The objective of this stud...

Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care.

BACKGROUND: Pain, dyspnea, and anorexia are common symptoms experienced by patients with cancer and often are poorly managed. METHODS: The incidence and causes of these symptoms are described, as well as factors that exacerbate or ameliorate their impact. RESULTS: Pharmacologic management of cancer pain is based on the use of a sequential "ladder" that incorporates nonopioid, opioid, and adjuva...

Pain management in palliative care--an update.

BACKGROUND Pain is a common and feared problem for those with advanced cancer. The goal of palliative care is to relieve suffering and improve quality of life. A step-by-step approach allows good symptom management and minimisation of drug side effects. OBJECTIVE This article aims to improve the general practitioner's confidence in prescribing in the palliative care setting and to encourage e...