End-of-life symptoms include physical and mental changes such as loss of appetite, cooling of skin, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and hallucinations. A withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities is common, and a calm, reflective attitude is adopted. Loved ones should offer support and comfort during this time.
End-of-life symptoms include physical and mental changes that signal that the body is shutting down. As organ systems prepare to shut down, circulation, blood pressure, and body temperature fluctuations cause changes in the dying person’s appearance. A withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities is common. It is usually during this period of abstinence that a person mentally prepares for death.
Adopting a calm, reflective attitude is common during the final months or weeks of life. In some cases, the dying person may become depressed. End of life signs can also include a desire to reach out to lost friends or loved ones to mend previously damaged relationships.
Loss of appetite is also among the end-of-life symptoms. As the body prepares for death, it stops processing nutrients properly, and eating can cause discomfort. Ice cubes and light liquids may be offered during this time, but the decision as to whether to eat and drink should be left to the dying person. Shortly before death, some terminally ill people experience a hunger attack and may crave favorite foods they previously lost interest in eating.
From a couple of weeks to a few days before death, the dying person may sleep much more than they did previously. The body is using the remaining energy to allow the person to rest. An energy explosion a few days before death is a common occurrence. During this time, the dying person may become talkative and possess more physical energy than in previous weeks.
End-of-life symptoms typically include a cooling of the skin on the dying person’s extremities. This is usually noticed by loved ones as they hold the dying person’s hand or stroke their arm during the last days and hours of life. The cooled skin temperature is caused by the reduction in blood pressure, which in turn reduces circulation to the hands and feet. Slippers can be offered to warm your feet. Hands can be kept under a sheet or blanket.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration occurs a few hours before death. This breathing involves short, rapid breaths followed by long intervals of no breathing. When fluid builds up in the lungs, the dying patient may cough. This is sometimes called a rattle cough due to its rattling sound. It does not mean that the dying person is in any discomfort; however, if it is stressful for loved ones to hear, there are several medications that will reduce its frequency.
Skin color changes are typical end-of-life symptoms. A gray tone takes the place of normal skin tones. Also, mottled spots may be present on the extremities. Such symptoms do not cause discomfort.
Shortly before death, the dying person may experience pleasant hallucinatory visions and sounds. Such hallucinations are common end-of-life symptoms and real to the person who has them. In other cases, she or she has hallucinations that people are trying to cause harm.
After death, breathing has ceased and the eyes are partially open. The mouth can be relaxed and open. The skin is cold to the touch.
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