End of life: Providing physical comfort
Discomfort during the dying process can come from a variety of sources. Depending on the cause of the discomfort, there are things you or a health care provider can do to help make the dying person more comfortable. For example, the person may be uncomfortable because of:
- Pain
- Breathing problems
- Skin irritation, including itching
- Digestive problems
- Temperature sensitivity
- Fatigue
Pain. Not everyone who is dying experiences pain. For those who do, experts believe that care should focus on relieving pain without worrying about possible long-term problems of drug dependence or abuse.
Struggling with severe pain can be draining and make the dying person understandably angry or short-tempered. This can make it even harder for families and other loved ones to communicate with the person in a meaningful way.
Caregivers and other family members can play significant roles in managing a dying person’s pain. But knowing how much pain someone is in can be difficult. Watch for clues, such as trouble sleeping, showing increased agitation, or crying. Don’t be afraid of giving as much pain medicine as is prescribed by the doctor.
Pain is easier to prevent than to relieve, and severe pain is hard to manage. Try to make sure that the level of pain does not get ahead of pain-relieving medicines. Tell the health care professionals if the pain is not controlled because medicines can be increased or changed. Palliative medical specialists are experienced in pain management for seriously ill patients; consider consulting with one if they’re not already involved
