Palliating symptoms other than pain.

BACKGROUND Symptoms other than pain are a heavy burden for patients with either malignant or progressive nonmalignant disease and significantly reduce quality of life. OBJECTIVE This article discusses the management of symptoms of malignant or progressive nonmalignant disease in the general practice setting. DISCUSSION The approach to management of the symptoms of malignant or progressive nonmalignant disease is the same, regardless of the diagnosis. Management includes evaluation, treatment--depending on the underlying pathological mechanism, explanation for both the patient and their family, and ongoing review of goals of care.