From the Guidelines
The most effective way to reduce pain during COVID-19 infection is to continue using prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while monitoring for adverse effects, as recommended by an international expert panel 1. When managing pain during COVID-19, it's essential to consider the patient's overall health and potential risks associated with certain treatments.
- The use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce fever, but patients should be educated on the potential risks and side effects, including the importance of reporting any new symptoms, such as mild fever or myalgia, promptly 1.
- Telemedicine can play a crucial role in pain management during the pandemic, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate, initiate, and continue opioid prescriptions, as well as provide education on naloxone use and potential risks associated with long-term opioid therapy 1.
- For patients with chronic pain, online self-management programs that incorporate exercise, sleep hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits can be beneficial in reducing pain and minimizing the need for opioids or other procedures 1.
- In cases where semi-urgent visits or procedures are necessary, a comprehensive evaluation and informed decision-making process should be undertaken, using telemedicine to triage urgency and make suitable arrangements for treatment 1.
From the Research
Pain Management During COVID-19 Infection
There are several ways to reduce pain during COVID-19 infection, including:
- Using over-the-counter analgesics, such as ibuprofen, to manage symptoms like fever and pain 2, 3
- Implementing lifestyle interventions to help manage pain and fever 3
- Utilizing telemedicine to provide care for patients with chronic pain 4, 5
- Establishing a screening model to classify patients according to pain severity and provide corresponding interventions 5
- Maintaining nonpharmacological approaches and pain education, considering the use of telehealth 5
Challenges in Pain Management
Pain management during COVID-19 infection can be challenging due to:
- Undertreatment of pain, which can trigger delirium and cause peripheral neuropathies 6
- Limited data available on COVID-19-related impact on chronic pain patients 4
- Need for adjustments to the patient care model to accommodate the pandemic 5
Recommendations for Pain Management
Recommendations for pain management during COVID-19 infection include:
- Using ibuprofen to manage symptoms like fever and pain, as there is no scientific evidence linking ibuprofen use to increased mortality rates or risk for respiratory support 2
- Providing strong pain evaluations to triage patients appropriately 4
- Considering the use of non-opioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, and interventional pain management procedures, with recent recommendations for safe use 4