Perception, assessment, treatment, and management of pain in the elderly.
Twenty to 50% of community elderly suffer from pain. Up to 80% of the institutionalized elderly report at least one pain problem. Multiple pain etiologies that occur in elderly patients may be the occurrence of multiple chronic diseases: osteoarthritis, RA, cancer, DJD, bone/joint disorders, osteoporosis, surgical pain, trauma, neuropathic pain, and nociceptive pain. The incidence of unrelieved pain inhibits respiration, decreases mobility, and decreases their functional status, which may lead to iatrogenic events, which include pneumonia, constipation and deep vein thrombosis. Prolonged inpatient stays and extended care facilities or nursing homes may decrease the elderly patient's expectations of quality of life and initiate social isolation. There exists some roadblocks or barriers to the detection of pain in the elderly client. These include social, emotional, cognitive, and subjective issues with the patient.
Barkin
Robert L
RL
Department of Anesthesiology, Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. rbarkin@rush.edu
Barkin
Stacy J
SJ
Barkin
Diana S
DS
D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D014147:Tramadol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D009294:Narcotics; D014147:Tramadol; D009020:Morphine