Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign

Abstract

Pain is a huge global concern because of its complexity to understand and medical concern. An estimated 20% of adults worldwide are suffering from pain. According to a study conducted by National Institutes of Health in 2019, adults in the United States experience new cases of chronic pain more frequently. Pain is an unpleasant body sensation, either localized or a set of sensations that results in moderate to severe physical discomfort as well as mental misery. Most of the patients are experiencing the pain because of some pathological conditions it may be acute or chronic, sharp or dull. Every element of a patient’s life is impacted by chronic pain, which also lowers mental and physical function and reduces activity levels. The pain may be an early warning sign in most of the disease conditions. Pain is also one of the vital sign which can helps in diagnosis. Early diagnosis and find out the cause of pain and its treatment is essential to relieve the patient from unpleasant body and emotional sensation.