Acute pain is usually of short duration and is a protective response to tissue damage. Its onset is sudden, and it usually resolves when the underlying cause of the pain is treated. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists beyond the normal time of healing and is often associated with ongoing disease processes. Chronic pain can be difficult to manage and may require long-term treatment.
Opioid drugs are the most effective analgesics for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. They work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals. Opioids also have other effects, such as reducing anxiety and inducing a sense of well-being.
Tolerance refers to the need for increasing doses of a drug to achieve the same level of pain relief over time. Cross-tolerance occurs when a person develops tolerance to one opioid drug and requires increasing doses of another opioid to achieve the same level of pain relief.
Common side effects associated with the use of opioid drugs for pain relief in persons with cancer include constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sedation, and respiratory depression. These side effects can be managed with appropriate medication management and supportive care. It is essential to monitor patients closely for signs of adverse effects, especially respiratory depression, as this can be life-threatening.
