The thing that makes Breakthrough pain (BTP) different from persistent or chronic pain is that the breakthrough pain is usually triggered by some sort of definite activity like coughing, swallowing, walking or getting up after some painful surgery. Basically, breakthrough pain takes place when a person does things that cause extra pain. However, breakthrough pain can sometimes also occur without any particular reason.

Majority of the people that are treated for mild to serious persistent pain feel breakthrough pain for a minimum of four to five times a day. The sudden spells of pain in breakthrough pain can be triggered by some sort of treatment, medication, disease or other unconnected factors. Breakthrough pain spells are usually unpredictable and are caused by anything that gives rise to spontaneous pain. It may also occur more frequently when performing certain activities, as mentioned above, that instigate incident pain. Breakthrough pain bursts can also occur when people arrive at the end of their pain medication dose. While the bursts of breakthrough pain may vary in intensity, length or cause, the typical spell of pain arrives at its highest intensity in about three to four minutes and may last for about thirty minutes.

If the breakthrough pain is not treated, it can damage a person’s good health and interrupt his or her daily activities.