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Oct 8, 2024 · A dying person's breathing becomes slower and less regular. Rapid breaths followed by periods of no breathing at all (Cheyne-Stokes breathing) may occur. It can help to know that as death nears, this does not cause your loved one pain. Your loved one's hands and feet may start looking blotchy, purplish, or mottled.
- Angela Morrow, RN
- Ann Pietrangelo
- Appetite and digestive changes. As one nears the end of life, metabolism and digestion gradually slow down. Fewer calories are needed, so loss of appetite and decreased thirst are normal.
- Sleeping more. Generalized weakness and fatigue are common. Energy levels wane and time spent sleeping increases.
- Withdrawal from the world. You might notice a sense of resignation and withdrawal from the larger world. The person may create a protective bubble of fewer people and less curiosity about events outside the bubble.
- Anxiety and depression. As the end of life becomes apparent, some people experience a growing fear or worry for themselves or for those who will be left behind.
- Angela Morrow, RN
- Pain. Pain is a common symptom experienced near the end of life, although it can vary from person to person. Pain is not only determined by medical conditions that cause pain, like cancer or lung disease, but also by factors like emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and the non-acceptance of one’s own death.
- Shortness of Breath. Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is one of the most common end-of-life symptoms. Even if a person doesn't have lung disease, dyspnea can occur because the organ systems of the body are interconnected.
- Anxiety. Anxiety is normal at the end of life as a person contemplates their own death or struggles through the stages of dying. This is commonly expressed as agitation, worrying, sweating, stomach upset, nausea, sleeping problems, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
- Decreased Appetite and Thirst. As a body starts to shut down, it no longer needs as many calories and nutrition to function at such lowered levels. Although it is normal for people to refuse food and drink near the end of life—either because they have no desire for it or find the effort of eating or drinking to be too much—it can still be upsetting for families.
Most of us don’t know what to expect when a person is close to death. The unfamiliar is often very scary, so understanding what may happen can help ease the fear and anxiety of the dying person, family and caregivers. In general, as a person gets closer to death, their body functions start to slow down.
Jun 26, 2023 · There are some common symptoms that most often happen in people with cancer who are dying. All might not happen, but it may help you to know about them. Changes in body function. Extreme weakness. May have trouble moving around in the bed and might not be able to get out of bed. May not be able to do much for themselves.
Sep 24, 2024 · A dying person may withdraw, bit by bit, from life — a process described as “detaching.” Your loved one may not respond to questions, show interest in their favorite activities, or interact with family members, caregivers or friends. What you can do: Always act as if your loved one can hear you and is aware of what is going on. Hearing is ...
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Nov 13, 2023 · Knowing death may be near is often difficult to deal with or comprehend. Signs a person is close to dying include decreased appetite, vital sign changes, weakness, and increased sleeping.
