[Characteristics of pain and pain management in the elderly]

A COMMON SYMPTOM: Pain is a common and underestimated problem in older people who are likely to suffer from many acute and chronic conditions. DIFFICULT ASSESSMENT: Clinical assessment of pain often depends on the patient's ability to communicate his or her experience. If self-assessment of pain is not possible, behavioral hetero-evaluation instruments have been built for easy pain assessment by caregivers. ADJUSTED PAIN MANAGEMENT: As for younger patients, the most common strategy for pain management is the use of analgesic drugs. Special care should be taken however when such drugs are initiated in the elderly because increased sensitivity, prolonged drug half-life and adverse effects and drug interactions are more likely.