[It all started with a simple symptom and then… Basic palliative medical tools for primary care physicians]

The treatment of symptoms in palliative care is of primary importance, though this in itself is not sufficient for the relief of all aspects of a patient's suffering. Pain, dyspnea, or anxiety cannot be reduced to a single somatic characteristic, the psychological implications and the consequences on the patient's daily life being of paramount importance. A respect with regard to certain basic principles, and a full knowledge of the main therapeutic approaches available, allow for a better initial management of the symptoms.To this end we propose references as a memory aid while pointing out that the apparition of complex elements or instability in this type of case justifies having recourse to a specialised structure.