Question

I have to complete a template on the basic concept with the subject being pain , can someone tell me the effects of pain on the body system. Also how pain affects electrolytes/acid-base balance

Answer 1

Pain is a protective mechanism and is physiological response towards the dangerous stimuli from the outside of the body (environment) or the inside of the body. For example, if we are suffering from an infection, inflammation and pain occurs, the pain stimulus alerts us about some abnormality is being occurred.

Whether the pain is acute or chronic, relieving the signs of pain enhance the patient's comfort. Pain is treated most of the times by using NSAIDs, systemic anti-inflammatory drugs or narcotic analgesics and other non-pharmacologic approaches. However, treating pain only provides symptomatic relief.

Although acute pain is considered as a protective mechanism, chronic pain causes affect the body negatively. Chronic pain triggers the immune suppression pathways and thus, increase the risk of infection. Chronic pain also activates the HPA axis and alters the sensitivity of the person towards the pain stimulus (increased or decreased).

Pain causes rapid and shallow breathing (hyperventilation), which disrupt the acid-base balance. This generally results in respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis (as a compensatory mechanism). Pain may also cause excessive sweating, urge to urinate, and urinary incontinence, which leads to electrolyte imbalance.