Introduction and Scope of the Problem Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most unpleasant, distressing, and feared symptoms for cancer patients. Without sufficient antiemetic prophylaxis, 30% to more than 90% of patients experience CINV with moderately emetogenic…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Constipation resulting from opioid use, commonly referred to as opioid-related constipation, opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, or opioid-induced constipation, is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by patients, especially those with advanced illness. The prevalence…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive illness that currently affects more than 6 million American adults and is projected to increase to more than 8 million individuals by 2030. Patients with advanced…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Dyspnea is the uncomfortable awareness of breathing often associated with air hunger, rapid breathing, and breathlessness. It has a negative impact on functional status and quality of life in individuals living with chronic obstructive…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Dyspnea is defined by a consensus panel of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) as “a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity.” Most often termed “shortness…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Pain is a frequent and feared symptom in patients with advanced illness. It is highly prevalent in cancer and many other advanced diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, and…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Most patients can achieve satisfactory pain control and tolerable side effects with the standard WHO Three-Step Analgesic Pain Ladder, which increases medication potency and dosages until pain relief is achieved. However, systemic pain medications…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Distinguishing between patients with the disease of addiction and patients with pain is an increasing dilemma among clinicians caring for patients taking opioids. However this distinction in patients receiving prescribed opioids may be challenging…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem In 2017, the opioid overdose epidemic was declared a public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Since 2000, death rates from opioid overdoses have increased by 200%. Life expectancy…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Over the past 30 years, chronic pain and opioid use have dominated the headlines, both in popular news sources and in medical journals. Chronic pain impacted the lives of more than 125 million adults…