The article presents definition and basic classification of pain focusing on the specifics of childhood. This is completed with information about development of pain receptors in time and pain perception development in the prenatal period.
Scoring schemes for pain intensity assessment in newborns as well as older children are presented. Options of pain treatment are discussed in detail according to the mechanism of action of individual drug groups.
Routes of drug administration are mentioned, including dosage and dosing intervals and treatment with drug combination. Possible side effects and toxicity of analgesics are highlighted.
Finally, the text discusses sedation, indications and actual realization of analgosedation and principals of its safe management.