Death is an inevitable part of life, yet it remains one of our greatest fears, often surrounded by mystery and uncertainty. As much as we try to avoid thinking about it, the reality is that we all must face it eventually. To help ease the fear and better understand the dying process, a hospice nurse has taken to social media to shed light on some of the unsettling yet natural things people do as they near the end of their lives.

Julie McFadden, a nurse with over 15 years of experience in intensive care and hospice, has made it her mission to educate the public about the final stages of life. Through her online presence and book, McFadden shares insights into the often misunderstood process of dying, aiming to remove the stigma and help families feel more prepared. “I spent about eight years as an ICU nurse, witnessing a lot of death,” McFadden says. “Healthcare workers often talked about the likelihood of our patients dying, but we didn’t always communicate with the patients or their families. This led me to want to advocate for them and start having more family meetings.”

One of McFadden’s most discussed posts highlights two common yet often disturbing occurrences in the final moments of life: changes in breathing patterns and the so-called “death rattle.”

1. Changes in Breathing

One of the most alarming things families notice when a loved one is nearing the end is a change in their breathing. McFadden explains that this shift can be unsettling for those unaware that it’s a normal part of the dying process.

“You might notice rapid, shallow breaths followed by long pauses, and then the rapid breathing returns,” she says. This pattern, known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, happens as the body’s metabolism begins to shut down. The breathing pattern typically lasts between 30 seconds and two minutes and repeats in cycles.

Although it may appear distressing, McFadden reassures families that this does not indicate that the person is in pain. “The patient is unconscious, and the body is relaxed. They’re not suffering, and they’re not struggling to breathe,” she explains. Experts believe this breathing occurs because the brain of a dying person is no longer effectively detecting carbon dioxide levels, causing irregular breathing patterns.

2. The “Death Rattle”

Another common phenomenon that may cause distress is the “death rattle,” which is the gurgling noise that often arises from a dying person’s throat. This sound can be particularly alarming for those unfamiliar with it.

McFadden explains that as the body nears death, the brain stops sending signals to the body to swallow saliva. This results in a buildup of saliva in the mouth, which causes the rattling noise as air moves through the throat. “It’s often mistaken for coming from the lungs, but it’s actually just saliva accumulating in the mouth,” McFadden clarifies.

While the noise may sound troubling, McFadden reassures families that it is not painful for the dying person. It’s simply a natural occurrence in the dying process and is not associated with distress.

The Body Knows How to Die

Despite the discomforting nature of these signs, McFadden reminds families that the body is naturally equipped to handle the process of dying. “The body is built to know how to die,” she says. “If there is any discomfort, medications can be administered to keep the person comfortable.”

Her overall message is one of reassurance. Death is not something to fear. By understanding the signs and symptoms that occur near the end of life, families can be better prepared to face this difficult time and offer support to their loved ones.

After death, the body undergoes several changes. One of the most notable is the release of a compound called putrescine, which produces a pungent odor often compared to the scent of nail polish remover. This is part of the natural breakdown process. Humans instinctively recognize this smell, which is linked to decomposition and triggers a primal response associated with the awareness of death.

Ultimately, McFadden’s goal is to reduce the fear surrounding death by educating people about the natural process. By gaining a deeper understanding of what to expect during this challenging time, families can approach the end of life with more peace and less anxiety.