Death and dying are not pleasant topics anywhere, any day, any time. But since it’s a part of life’s processes, we still need to talk about them somehow.
According to healthcare professionals, clinical signs of imminent death like gasping, feeble pulse, low blood pressure, low oxygen content of blood, altered sensorium, delirium, etc., are some of the signs that indicate death could be near.
A University College London-led research team has identified the key signs and symptoms that expert palliative care doctors use to recognise when terminally ill patients are imminently dying.
gasping, feeble pulse, low blood pressure, low oxygen content of blood, altered sensorium, delirium, etc., are some of the signs that indicate death could be near
Some of the signs and symptoms are as follow, according to physicians, researchers and everyone that should know:
Disease trajectory
Researchers say how an illness progresses can help indicate how long the person may have to live; and that the person’s [in]ability to perform daily activities can predict life expectancy; just as the presence of other medical conditions can affect the person’s prognosis.
Decreasing appetite
The UCL findings, published in BMJ Open, notes that as a person approaches death, they become less active. “This means their body needs less energy. They may stop eating or drinking as much as their appetite gradually reduces,” clinician Dr. Charles Okorie adds.
He says a person may completely stop eating before they die, adding, “When this happens, it helps to keep their lips moistened with lip balm so that they are not uncomfortable.”
In the time before a person dies, they may spend less time awake
Sleeping more
In the time before a person dies, they may spend less time awake, according to Dr. Ibrahim Masha, a General Practitioner.
He notes that if a person is caring for a dying loved one who is sleepy, they should make them comfortable and let them sleep. “Caregivers should help the person change position in bed every 1–2 hours,” Masha counsels.
He adds that hearing is often the last sense that a person loses, so continuing to speak to them in a calm, quiet voice can provide reassurance.
Weakening muscles
In the days leading up to a person’s death, their muscles may become weak, researchers say.
“Weak muscles mean the individual may not be able to carry out the small tasks that they were able to previously. In fact, drinking from a cup or turning over in bed may no longer be tasks they can do,” Okorie says.
Changing vital signs
As a person approaches death, their vital signs may change, and this include:
- Drop in blood pressure
- Change in breathing
- Heartbeat becomes fast, faint, or irregular
- A pulse may be hard to detect
Dropping body temperature
In the days before a person dies, their circulation reduces so that blood is focused on their internal organs.
“This means very little blood flows to their hands, feet, or legs,” Masha posits; adding, “Reduced circulation means a dying person’s skin will be cold to the touch. Their skin may also look pale or mottled with blue and purple patches.”
The experts says a person who is dying may not feel cold themselves and that offering them a blanket is a good idea if a relative or friend thinks they may need one.
Changing breathing
A person who is dying may seem like they are having trouble breathing. Their breathing may suddenly change speed, and they may make grunting, gurgling, or rattling noises when breathing.
it is a good idea to keep talking with a dying person right up until they pass away, as they can often still hear what is going on around them
“If someone caring for a loved one notices this, they should try not to worry. They can try find a position that makes breathing easier for the person, be it on their back, side, sitting up, or other position.
“It is a good idea to speak to the doctor for advice if someone is concerned about this change in breathing pattern,” Dr. Masha counsels.
Experiencing confusion
When a person is dying, they may become confused or incoherent at times. This may happen if they lose track of what is happening around them, researchers say.
Hallucinations
Researchers add that it is not unusual for a person who is dying to experience some hallucinations or distorted visions.
The final hours
“In the hours before a person dies, their organs shut down, and their body stops working. It is not always clear when this happens,” the UCL researchers submit.
They also counsel that it is a good idea to keep talking with a dying person right up until they pass away, as “they can often still hear what is going on around them.”
