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Clinical death, characterized by the cessation of breathing and cardiac activity, is a state in which the brain still functions but the vital functions have stopped. Sometimes death appears seemingly unexpectedly, but according to internist Christian Zanartua there are seven signs that announce its arrival. It is important that the patient’s relatives do not ignore them and prepare for the upcoming events.
Observe the person’s condition
Symptoms can appear several weeks, days, or even minutes before the end of life. When vital functions are gradually shutting down, it is important to watch for the presence of several biological phenomena. One of them is pain. This applies mainly to cancer patients, but it does not always occur in the terminal state. When the patient is in hospital, pain-relieving medications may be administered.
One of the warning signs can also be shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The inability to take a deep breath is life-threatening; sometimes the patient needs to expel phlegm, but because of their condition this is not possible. The medical team can relieve this symptom by administering oxygen, some medications, or relaxation techniques performed by the patient. In general, however, it is considered a warning sign of biological death.
Severe anxiety may appear
Be alert to intense anxiety, which can also indicate that the patient is at the brink of death. Anxiety is usually severe and follows experienced shortness of breath and acute pain. It is a result of the seriously ill patient becoming aware of the approaching death. It is an immediate human reflex that cannot be greatly influenced. Body temperature often changes, the limbs may be colder. Fever is often a sign of failure of the thermoregulatory center.
Reduced appetite should not be underestimated either. Patients in critical condition or at the natural end of life usually no longer eat. This is explained by the shutting down of the body’s physical functions, and thus a lower required calorie intake. At the same time, the person’s metabolism slows down, which only contributes to the discomfort the patient experiences. Slowed bowel movements and constipation can also result from some medications. Even at the end of life it is important to add fiber to food and to consume increased amounts of water to speed up digestion.
Nausea and marked fatigue
Nausea or vomiting can be attributed to taking medications in hospital, or possibly in home care. Nausea can be a condition in itself that may cause sudden death. In the fight against nausea, which can be very distressing for patients at the end of life, relatives or the medical team can reduce portion sizes, limit exposure to smells, and frequently ventilate the room where the patient is staying.
Up to a month before the death of a patient or an elderly person, marked fatigue and a lack of energy may set in. This fatigue is characterized by excessive drowsiness or an increased need for sleep. The reason is that the body no longer has enough energy to carry out its life functions. However, this warning sign can also be a consequence of the effects of administered medications. Sometimes, conversely, unusual insomnia appears before death.
Loss of interest in the surrounding world
Hand in hand with the loss of energy goes a loss of previous interests. The dying person withdraws into themselves, has no interest in books or television, or even in people they used to associate with, and detaches from the outside world. They speak less and less, may be restless in the final days, and unexplained twitching of the limbs or fingers may occur.
