Introduction to Symptom Relief

The basic principles of symptom management are the same regardless of the symptom in question.

• Assess - Cause, character, alleviating and aggravating factors, timing, impact on daily life, intensity, and patient understanding
• Diagnose - likely cause of symptom
• Manage - treatment plan including non-drug and drug therapies as appropriate
• Monitor - review response to management regularly and reassess that your diagnosis is accurate and treatment plans are working