Death is an inevitable part of life, yet it remains one of our greatest fears—clouded by uncertainty and mystery.
Now, a hospice nurse has taken to social media to shed light on some of the most unsettling things people experience before they pass away. Her goal? To help families better understand the dying process and ease the fear that surrounds it.
A Nurse’s Insight Into Death
Julie McFadden, a hospice nurse specializing in end-of-life care, has dedicated her career to educating people on what to expect when a loved one is nearing death.
With over 15 years of experience in intensive care and hospice, McFadden shares firsthand insights through online videos and her book, aiming to break the stigma around death and help families feel more prepared.
“I was an ICU nurse for about eight years and witnessed a lot of death. In healthcare, we would discuss a patient’s likelihood of dying among ourselves, but rarely with the families. That made me want to speak up, advocate for patients, and start having open conversations with their loved ones,” she explains.
In one of her most talked-about posts, McFadden highlights the two most common yet unsettling signs of approaching death: changes in breathing and the infamous “death rattle.”
1. Irregular Breathing Patterns
One of the most alarming experiences for families is a sudden shift in their loved one’s breathing patterns. McFadden explains that this is a natural part of the dying process, though many people find it distressing.
“You’ll notice rapid breathing, followed by long pauses, and then rapid breathing again,” she says.
This phenomenon, known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, occurs due to metabolic changes in the body as it begins to shut down. The pattern can last between 30 seconds and two minutes, repeating itself until death.
McFadden reassures families that, despite how it looks, this does not mean their loved one is suffering.
She even shared a video of a patient demonstrating this breathing pattern, describing it as a series of quick, irregular breaths followed by prolonged pauses. Experts suggest that this occurs because the brain is struggling to regulate carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
“As you can see, this person is fully unconscious. This is not causing suffering or a feeling of suffocation. The body appears relaxed and is not reacting as if it cannot breathe,” she explains.
2. The “Death Rattle”
Another common but unsettling occurrence is the death rattle—a gurgling sound that often alarms loved ones.
McFadden explains that as the body nears death, the brain stops sending signals to swallow saliva. This causes saliva to accumulate in the throat, creating a rattling noise as air moves through.
“People often think it’s coming from the lungs, but it’s just saliva collecting in the mouth,” she says.
While the sound may be unsettling, McFadden emphasizes that it is not painful or distressing for the dying person.
The Body Knows How to Die
Despite how unnerving these signs may seem, McFadden reassures families that the body has a natural process for dying.
“The body is designed to know how to die,” she explains. If any discomfort arises, medications can help keep the patient at peace.
Her message is clear: death is not something to fear. By understanding these natural processes, families can feel more prepared and find comfort in knowing their loved one is not suffering.
The Science Behind Death’s Final Stages
Research shows that after death, the body begins to break down rapidly. Metabolic changes in the final moments can produce a distinctive odor in a dying person’s breath, skin, and bodily fluids—often resembling nail polish remover.
This is due to the release of putrescine, a compound associated with decomposition. Studies suggest that, at a subconscious level, humans can detect this scent, triggering an instinctive response linked to the recognition of death.
By understanding these natural signs, McFadden hopes to help families approach the end of life with less fear and more acceptance.
