Overview
Palliative care is a type of care for people who have a serious illness. It can help you manage symptoms, pain, or side effects from treatment. It can also help you cope with your feelings about living with a serious illness.
Palliative care for managing pain
The goal is for you to have the least pain with the fewest side effects. It may take a few tries to find the best medicine for you. If your pain isn't severe, nonprescription medicines may help. These include acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. If they don't help, your doctor may prescribe medicines called opioids.
Palliative care for managing treatment side effects
You may have side effects of treatment or other symptoms that bother you. Your doctor may be able to give you medicines or other treatment that can help if you have problems such as shortness of breath, nausea, lack of energy, or anxiety. Other treatments, like yoga, meditation, or physical therapy, may also help.
