symptom management

Definition of symptom management

symptom management

(SIMP-tum MA-nij-ment)
Care given to help relieve the symptoms of a disease, such as cancer, and the side effects caused by treatment of the disease. Symptom management may help a person feel more comfortable, but it does not treat or cure the disease. It may involve taking certain medicines to relieve pain or nausea or using guided imagery or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress or anxiety. Symptom management is one aspect of palliative care and supportive care.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms