analgezie

Analgezie, or analgesia, is the relief from pain or the absence of pain in response to stimuli that would normally be painful. It is a fundamental aim in medicine, used in settings from emergency care to chronic disease management and palliative care. Analgesia can be achieved by pharmacological drugs, by regional or local procedures, or by non-pharmacological approaches. The choice and combination of methods depend on the type, intensity, and duration of pain, as well as patient factors and risks.

Pharmacologic approaches include non-opioid analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce pain by peripheral anti-inflammatory effects and central mechanisms. Opioid analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl act on central mu-opioid receptors to suppress pain perception but carry risks of sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, and potential dependence. Adjuvant analgesics, including antidepressants and anticonvulsants, are used especially for neuropathic pain. Local and regional analgesia involves nerve blocks or neuraxial techniques (epidural or spinal) to provide targeted pain relief, often used around surgery or for cancer pain.

Non-pharmacological strategies include physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, heat and cold therapy, TENS, and acupuncture as adjuncts. Analgesic regimens are typically multimodal, combining several methods to improve pain control while minimizing side effects. Safety considerations include dosing, contraindications, monitoring for adverse effects, and avoiding under-treatment of pain.