analgesie

Analgesie, or analgesia, refers to the relief of pain without loss of consciousness. It encompasses a range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies aimed at reducing pain intensity while preserving alertness and function. Analgesie differs from anesthesia, which involves loss of sensation and often consciousness.

Mechanisms and types: Analgesic drugs act at peripheral or central sites to interrupt nociceptive signaling or alter pain perception. Common classes include non-opioid analgesics (such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen), opioid analgesics (such as morphine and oxycodone), and adjuvant therapies (including certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants) that enhance analgesia or treat specific pain types. Local and regional analgesia employ local anesthetics or nerve blocks to provide targeted relief, often used around surgical procedures or obstetric care.

Approaches and guidelines: Multimodal analgesia combines several methods to improve pain relief and reduce side effects. The WHO analgesic ladder guides escalation for moderate to severe pain, using non-opioids for mild pain, mild opioids for moderate pain, and strong opioids for severe pain, with adjuvants as needed. Routes of administration include oral, intravenous, transdermal, and intrathecal.

Applications and safety: Analgesie is used in acute settings such as postoperative and trauma pain, as well as in chronic conditions, cancer-related pain, and palliative care. Safety considerations include gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks for NSAIDs; dependence and overdose risks with opioids; and the need for careful dosing and monitoring. Non-pharmacologic methods—physical therapy, psychological therapies, heat or cold therapy, and complementary approaches—can complement pharmacologic treatment.