A hospice nurse has revealed the two most ‘disturbing’ changes in a dying person’s breathing—phenomena that often shock families who wish they had known about them beforehand.
Julie McFadden, a 41-year-old nurse from Los Angeles, California, has worked in intensive care and hospice care for over 15 years. Now, she shares insights on social media to help destigmatize death and educate people on what to expect in a loved one’s final moments.
In a widely viewed video with over 75,000 views, Ms. McFadden highlighted Cheyne–Stokes respiration as one of the most unsettling changes.
What Is Cheyne–Stokes Respiration?
This breathing pattern involves abnormal rapid breaths followed by long pauses. Experts believe it occurs due to a delay in the brain’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide levels, disrupting normal breathing rhythms.
Although it may appear distressing, Ms. McFadden reassured viewers that it does not cause suffering.
“As you can see, this person is fully unconscious. This is not making them feel like they are suffocating. The body is built to know how to die and has mechanisms in place to help it do so,” she explained.
She added that if a patient appears uncomfortable, healthcare providers can administer medication to ease their breathing, but in most cases, intervention is not necessary.
The ‘Death Rattle’ – A Common but Disturbing Sound
The second unsettling phenomenon Ms. McFadden described is the death rattle—a gurgling, wet sound that occurs as a dying person breathes.
Despite its distressing nature, she assured families that it is a natural part of the dying process and does not cause pain. The noise is triggered by air passing through fluid buildup in the mouth, as the body loses its ability to swallow saliva.
“The death rattle is the most normal thing and to be expected at the end of life. However, if you’re not used to hearing it, it can feel like the scariest thing you’ve ever heard,” she said.
Families Praise McFadden’s Insights
Many social media users expressed gratitude for her transparency, saying they wished they had known this information before witnessing a loved one’s passing.
- “I’ve sat beside this in real life and wish I’d seen your videos then. Thank you for demystifying death.”
- “I just went through this with my husband. Wish I had been educated beforehand.”
- “Watching this takes me back to my sibling’s passing. Thank you for sharing.”
Hospice Care: Providing Comfort in Final Moments
Hospices specialize in caring for patients with terminal illnesses, either in dedicated facilities or at home. In the UK, these services are free through the NHS or charities, though funding shortages have raised concerns about their sustainability.
Last year, Hospice UK warned that the sector faced a £60 million funding deficit, underscoring the need for continued support to ensure quality end-of-life care.
