Management of gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms in palliative care
Bade, P.F.
South Dakota Medicine the Journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association Spec No.: 47-49; 51-53
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-3317 PMID: 18642620 Document Number: 624450
Non-pain symptoms are common at the end of life and careful assessment as well as treatment can alleviate them. Reversible causes should be sought and corrected. Empiric treatment may be appropriate when diagnostic testing is burdensome. Treatments should be assessed to determine whether they are being used appropriately and are effective. Side effects such as constipation should be anticipated and treated as needed. An interdisciplinary team approach can be beneficial to assess outcomes of treatment.