Managing pain in mucositis.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches available to manage pain.


METHODS
Published journal articles, book chapters, clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Pain management requires treatment directed at the various factors involved in the pain experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses need to assess pain daily and follow patients closely until mucositis resolves. Management targeted to specific dimensions of pain can improve the effectiveness of pain control.
Epstein
Joel B
JB
Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Program in Oral Cancer, Chicago Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Schubert
Mark M
MM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000700:Analgesics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents