It happens hours before death. You should pay attention to these symptoms
Regardless of our perspectives on life, we all share the same inevitable fate of death. Yet, we are not always prepared for it. Is there a way to predict a loved one's passing? According to medical professionals, the human body emits certain signals that hint at the process of dying. Let's shed some light on this important detail.
5:10 PM EDT, October 27, 2023
Enduring the imminent demise of a loved one poses a significant challenge for the entire family. It's difficult to come to terms with the reality of a loved one slipping away before our eyes. Even with attempts to control our emotions, we often succumb to tears.
We frequently find ourselves asking, in the case of loved ones suffering from chronic diseases or of elder relatives, are there any signs that indicate an impending death?
Recognizing signs of impending death
Surprisingly, it is indeed possible to discern whether a person is at the dying stage. Signs indicating an impending death can be detected a few hours, days, or even weeks prior.
A chat with Dr. Carol DerSarkissian on the Unilad portal shed some light on this topic. She clarified that careful observation of a dying individual can reveal whether the dying process has commenced. Recognizing these symptoms can help us prepare for the inevitable, while simultaneously providing the dying person with the utmost care and intimacy.
In the preceding months of death, the affected person may exhibit characteristics such as apathy, indifference, and a loss of interest in the outside world. However, this initial sign is often overlooked, particularly in elderly individuals.
An approaching death is often signified by changes in skin appearance. A few hours or even several hours before death, the body emits signals indicating the end is near. A prominent symptom arising from the deteriorating function of the heart is bluish skin, particularly on the hands and legs. Also, the individual's facial features might become notably sharp.
Additional indications of impending death
During their final phase of life, individuals may experience continuous fatigue, sleepiness, and exhaustion, which might be so severe that they cannot leave their bed. Coupled with this, are breathing difficulties, that are shown in shallow breathing, shortness of breath, and occasional breathlessness.
Palliative care professionals highlight the paramount importance of companionship and familial support for individuals nearing death.