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Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine$
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Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (4 ed.)

Edited by Geoffrey Hanks, Nathan I. Cherny, Nicholas A. Christakis, Marie Fallon, Stein Kaasa, Russell K. Portenoy

Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Oct 2009
Print ISBN-13:
9780198570295
Published to Oxford Medicine:
Mar 2011
DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198570295.001.0001

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Disclaimer

Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

Contents

Breakthrough pain

Chapter:
Breakthrough pain
Author(s):

Giovambattista Zeppetella

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198570295.003.0057

In recent years, with the improvement in pain assessment methods, it has become evident that patients with persistent pain often report that their pain varies in clinically meaningful ways during the course of the day. Two broad patterns may be identified: background (or baseline) pain, which is present for most of the day, and breakthrough pain, which is perceived as a distinct, transitory exacerbation of pain. There is emerging evidence that breakthrough pain is associated with more severe pain, an increased risk of pain-related adverse outcomes, and greater cost of care. A systematic approach to the assessment and treatment of breakthrough pain now is viewed as an important element in a successful strategy to enhance comfort and reduce pain-related impairments and distress.

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