Treatment- Symptom Control

Pain management

Careful assessment and management of cancer and non-cancer pain tailored to individual circumstances is the need of the hour. A multi-modal approach to pain management in agreement with WHO (World Health Organisation) pain management ladder is essential. This includes management of pain with various analgesics like paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),  semi-synthetic opioids (tramadol) and opioids (like morphine and fentanyl). Other medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, bisphosphonates, local anesthetics, corticosteroids, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and intrathecal pumps; combined with physiotherapy, functional rehabilitation, occupational and behavioral therapy helps to improve self-management skills.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness or shortness of breath or feeling of being out of breath- is a common symptom in patients with life-limiting illnesses. Breathlessness can be due to multiple causes e.g. anemia, lung cancer, chronic airway disease, etc. Living with breathlessness is difficult and challenging. Use of medications, change of posture, lifestyle adjustments, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy provides better control of breathlessness and helps you live as actively as possible.

Fatigue

Feeling a lack of energy and tiredness is called fatigue. In healthy people, fatigue improves by rest, rehydration, nutrition, and good sleep. But when one is ill, he/she might not recover easily. Waking up and remaining tired and sleepy through the day, shortness of breath, difficulty in concentrating and lack of interest in activities you usually do are symptoms of fatigue. Palliative care team helps in managing fatigue through medications, physiotherapy, psychological counseling, nutrition advice, planning your activities of daily living, etc.

Nausea and vomiting

Vomiting or the persistent sensation of vomiting (also called nausea) due to disease or its treatment is very uncomfortable for the patient. It is frequently multifactorial. Treating the underlying cause and the symptom results in a huge improvement in the quality of life of the patient. Medical management along with diet modifications helps improve this.

Edema and lymphedema

Accumulation and buildup of fluid in the body are called edema. It is usually caused due to a disease condition which compromises normal fluid transport mechanisms in the body. It leads to swelling of affected tissues. When this fluid is constituted of lymph due to the removal of lymph nodes (say, axillary lymph nodes removal in breast surgery) it is called lymphedema. Treating the underlying cause, positioning of limbs, adjusting body posture, special massages called medical lymphatic drainage, compression garments, skincare and avoiding cannulation and punctures over the affected areas and other palliative measures help improve patient's general condition and quality of life.

Other symptoms

Palliative management of other symptoms like depression, anxiety & agitation, delirium, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, oral problems, bedsores, mouth ulcers, incontinence of stool & urine, cough, fever, and hiccups helps improve quality of life. 

Disclaimer: This page contains information on various medications and treatment modalities; and the way that these are sometimes used for palliative care. This information is for education and awareness purposes only. It should not be used as a prescription or otherwise.  For more questions and a better understanding, please consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Do not use any medication without medical supervision.