Despite its prevalence and impact, there is no CF-specific guidance for the assessment and management of pain. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation assembled an expert panel of clinicians, researchers, people with CF, and caregivers to develop consensus recommendations for pain management in CF. The committee used literature review and expert opinion to develop 13 recommendations addressing:
- Pain assessment
- Management
- Communication
Recommendations are centered on guiding principles of utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, offering age and developmentally appropriate assessment and interventions, concurrently treating underlying conditions causing, contributing to, and/or exacerbated by pain, considering societal stigma of the pain experience, particularly for minoritized and marginalized people, and sensitivity to issues of access and cost.
These recommendations are intended to guide clinicians in managing pain and improving quality of life for people with CF with pain at all stages of illness and development.
EP Dellon, G Allada, SJ Allgood, et al. Addressing pain in people living with cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis foundation evidence-informed guidelines. J Cyst Fibros. 2024 Dec 6:S1569-1993(24)01847-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.11.012.