Pain

Two main types of pain

Pain may be acute and time-limited following an injury or trauma, during surgery or post-surgery (the type of pain triggered by treatment, for example: injections, dressings, blood tests, movement of the patient). Acute pain is therefore a form of alarm that allows the body to react and protect itself against mechanical, chemical or thermal stimulus.

Pain can also be chronic when it takes the form of a long-term (over 3 months) “disease-specific pain”. This type of pain may be neuropathic (postsurgical, diabetic, post chemotherapy, etc.), inflammatory (osteoarthritis) or dysfunctional (fibromyalgia).

Pain is the cause of nearly two-thirds of medical consultations and is the subject of many research studies, both fundamental and clinical².

Pain relief

Analgesics, medical gases, specific medications… Pain relief takes many forms

Pain relief takes many forms:

• Analgesics are prescribed depending on the type and intensity of pain^2-3
• Medical gases meet both hospitals (operating rooms, recovery rooms, emergency rooms, etc.) and out-of-hospitals needs (transportation of casualties)³
• A number of specific medications (antidepressants and anticonvulsants) are used to treat neuropathic pain²
• Many methods other than medication are now recognized by the medical profession, including acupuncture, relaxation therapy, sophrology and hypnosis.²

Assisting patients in pain

The healthcare provider cares for hospital patients by supplying the medical gases used to relieve their pain. The home healthcare provider delivers care for patients requiring infusion therapy.

To maintain patient safety and healthcare professional confidence, the healthcare provider ensures the provision of:

• Qualified personnel dedicated to the delivery of hospital and home treatment
• Patient information and training in the day-to-day use of the treatment provided
• Regular patient follow-up and support

References:

1. French Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Women's Rights. Pain, April 2014. Available at: www.sante.gouv.fr/la-douleur.html, viewed 11/19/2014.
2. INSERM UMRS 975. Pain, July 2011. Available at: www.inserm.fr/thematiques/neurosciences-sciences-cognitives-neurologie-psychiatrie/dossiers-d-information/douleur, viewed 11/18/2014.
3. INCA. Avoiding or reducing treatment-related pain, November 2009. Available at: www.e-cancer.fr/cancerinfo/qualite-de-vie/douleur/limiter-les-douleurs/eviter-ou-diminuer-la-douleur#gazantidouleur, viewed on 12/12/2014.