X

Vous n'êtes pas connecté

Maroc Maroc - dailynews.co.za - Lifestyle - 06/Mar 14:58

A hospice nurse explains the final moments before death

A hospice nurse has highlighted two significant changes in breathing that occur as people near the end of life—changes that families often find shocking and disturbing.  Julie McFadden, a nurse with over 15 years of experience in intensive care and hospice care, shares insights on social media to help demystify the dying process. She explains that while these breathing patterns can be unsettling for loved ones, they are a natural part of the body's transition.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julie McFadden (@hospicenursejulie) Irregular breathing: Cheyne–Stokes Respiration  One of the most noticeable changes is a pattern called Cheyne–Stokes respiration. This involves periods of rapid, shallow breathing followed by long pauses.  McFadden reassures families that although it may appear distressing, it does not cause discomfort to the patient. In her video she says; "This person, as you can see, is fully unconscious. This is not causing them suffering or making them feel like they are suffocating," she explains. "The body is built to know how to die and has mechanisms in place to help with that."  She adds that if a patient appears restless or seems to be struggling, medical professionals can provide medication to ease any discomfort. However, she emphasises that in most cases, intervention is not necessary as the body naturally adjusts.  The death rattle: A common but startling soundThe second change, known as the "death rattle," is a gurgling or rattling sound that occurs when a person breathes. This happens because, as the body shuts down, saliva and mucus accumulate in the throat since the natural swallowing reflex stops functioning.  Although the sound can be distressing for family members, McFadden reassures that it is not painful for the patient.  "The death rattle is completely normal and expected at the end of life," she says. "But if you’ve never heard it before, it can feel like the scariest thing."  While the noise can be unsettling, healthcare professionals can adjust a patient’s position or provide medication to help reduce it if necessary.  Understanding the process of dying  McFadden shares this information to prepare families for what to expect when a loved one is dying. She emphasises that the body follows its own natural process and that these changes are not signs of suffering but part of the transition. By understanding these final stages, families can focus on providing comfort and presence rather than fear.Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Lifestyle

Articles similaires

My problems with MAID

newsday.co.tt - 20/Oct 09:28

I WAS having dinner with a group of friends when the topic of medical assistance in dying (MAID) came up. MAID is a human rights issue, everybody...

Sorry! Image not available at this time

World Spine Day 2025: Neurosurgeon explains 4 conditions that could lead to spinal tuberculosis, causing ...

wn.com - 16/Oct 06:34

This World Spine Day 2025, let's tell you about spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott's disease. While tuberculosis (TB) is mainly known for...

Sorry! Image not available at this time

World Spine Day 2025: Neurosurgeon explains 4 conditions that could lead to spinal tuberculosis, causing ...

wn.com - 16/Oct 06:34

This World Spine Day 2025, let's tell you about spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott's disease. While tuberculosis (TB) is mainly known for...

Cops probe death of Vistabella nurse with throat slit

newsday.co.tt - 13/Oct 17:19

Police are yet to classify the death of a 44-year-old nurse whose body was found in her bed on the night of October 12, with a wound to the throat...

The emotional journey of men facing breast cancer

newsday.co.tt - 13/Oct 04:25

Bavina Sookdeo When a man is told he has breast cancer, a common first reaction is often disbelief. “This is followed by questions about...

The emotional journey of men facing breast cancer

newsday.co.tt - 13/Oct 04:25

Bavina Sookdeo When a man is told he has breast cancer, a common first reaction is often disbelief. “This is followed by questions about...

Sorry! Image not available at this time

Neurosurgeon with 33 years of experience explains why ‘your brain is not built for happiness; ...

wn.com - 11/Oct 04:32

Your brain is a complex organ. It controls your thoughts, memory, emotions, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every...

5 foods that can help reduce heart blockages and repair blood vessels

times of india - 16/Oct 23:30

This article shares evidence-based insights from cardiology research about five foods that may help lessen artery blockage and support vascular...

Trump's DOJ reminded judge is 'not blind' after blown-off order

rawstory.com - 17/Oct 20:33

Judge Sara Ellis was not happy with the Justice Department after they withdrew the witness she wanted to hear from in the Friday hearing about 45...

Trump's DOJ reminded judge is 'not blind' after blown-off order

rawstory.com - 17/Oct 20:33

Judge Sara Ellis was not happy with the Justice Department after they withdrew the witness she wanted to hear from in the Friday hearing about 45...

أحدث الإصدارات

  • Aucun élément