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Slovenska pediatrija 2015; 22: 73-80

https://doi.org/

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Review article

PAIN IN THE CHILD WITH CANCER

M. Kunej
Klinični oddelek za otroško hematologijo in onkologijo, Pediatrična klinika, UKC Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Pain is a common symptom in children who were treated for cancer. It can be caused by the disease itself, its treatment, painful tests or medical procedures. The expression of pain and the ability of children to describe the pain experienced changes during the child's development. The child's age also affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medication for pain. Non-opiate analgesics are used to treat mild pain, while opioids are needed for moderately severe and severe pain. It is sometimes necessary to use other medications for satisfactory pain relief. For effective pain relief, health workers need adequate knowledge. The cooperation of health workers in primary health services and the Centre for Paediatric Oncology is also necessary.

Key words: pain in a child, pain relief, analgesics, child with cancer, pain.