Julie McFadden uses her platform to educate people about the final moments of life, helping them understand and prepare for losing loved ones.

A hospice nurse specializing in end-of-life care has shared some of the most unsettling things people do in their final moments. She hopes that by shedding light on these experiences, families can feel more prepared and less fearful when their loved ones pass.Julie McFadden has dedicated her career to helping people understand the process of dying. She believes that educating others about what happens in those final days and hours can help remove some of the stigma and fear surrounding death.

Through her online videos and recently published book, she offers insights into what happens as life ends, breaking down the biological changes that may seem frightening but are a natural part of the process.

In one of her most talked-about posts, McFadden shared what she considers to be the two most disturbing yet completely natural things that occur before death.

Table of Contents

Changes in Breathing

One of the most noticeable and sometimes distressing things that families witness at the end of life is a sudden change in breathing patterns. McFadden explained that this is often one of the things families wish they had been warned about beforehand.

She reassured that while these changes can look alarming, they do not mean the person is suffering or struggling to breathe.

She described the experience: “You can see that chest rapidly breathing, and then a long pause […] and then rapid breathing again.”

This type of breathing pattern is called Cheyne–Stokes respiration, and it happens due to natural metabolic shifts occurring in the body. While it can be unsettling to witness, it is a common and expected part of the dying process.

Julie shares insights to death to help people be preparedInstagram/@hospicenursejulie

The ‘Death Rattle’

Another phenomenon that often unsettles family members is something called the ‘death rattle.’ McFadden has addressed this in her videos, explaining that while the sound can be shocking, it is completely normal and expected in the final stages of life.

She reassured viewers that while it might sound distressing, it is not a sign that the person is in pain or gasping for air. However, she acknowledged that for those who have never heard it before, it can be one of the most difficult things to witness.

The ‘death rattle’ occurs when the body continues to produce saliva, but because the brain is no longer signaling the person to swallow, the saliva pools in the throat and creates a gurgling noise when they breathe.

McFadden explained the cause in simple terms: “People hear it, they don’t understand it, they automatically assume it’s coming from their lungs. That is not happening. It’s truly just a little bit of saliva.”She emphasized that while these sounds can be unsettling, they are not an indication of distress. She reassured families that their loved ones are not feeling discomfort during this stage.

McFadden has assured patients are not in pain at the end of lifeTikTok/@hospicenursejulie

She further explained: “This is not making them feel that they are suffocating, and we know this because the body is showing that it is relaxed,”McFadden also pointed out that the human body is designed to know how to die. While some patients may appear to be struggling, doctors and caregivers can administer medication to help them stay relaxed and comfortable during their final moments.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Career: You have the opportunity to showcase your leadership and creativity. Take advantage of this chance to move forward in your work.
Love: Sincerity and openness help strengthen your relationships.
Health: Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to stay energized.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Career: You may face some challenges today. Stay patient and handle them calmly.
Love: Spend time with family and friends to strengthen your bonds.
Health: Pay attention to sleep and rest well to maintain a relaxed mind.

Gemini (May 21 – June 21)

Career: Your communication skills will bring you success at work.
Love: Listen and share more with your loved ones to improve understanding.
Health: Engage in light physical activities to boost your well-being.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Career: You may receive an opportunity for promotion. Seize it and prove your abilities.
Love: Your care and attention make your relationships warmer.
Health: Take time to relax and reduce stress to maintain good mental health.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Career: Confidence and decisiveness help you handle work effectively.
Love: Express your feelings sincerely to strengthen your relationships.
Health: Pay attention to your diet and workout routine to stay fit.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Career: Your meticulousness and attention to detail are appreciated at work.
Love: Open up and share more to understand each other better.
Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid unnecessary stress.

Libra (September 23 – October 23)

Career: Your ability to balance and mediate helps you resolve conflicts at work.
Love: Spend quality time with loved ones to deepen your relationships.
Health: Engage in recreational activities to relieve stress and relax.

Scorpio (October 24 – November 21)

Career: Your determination and persistence help you overcome work challenges.
Love: Share your emotions and listen to others for better understanding.
Health: Take care of your mental health and find ways to relax.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Career: Your optimism and energy help you achieve your goals.
Love: Spend time with loved ones and share joyful moments together.
Health: Participate in outdoor activities to improve your well-being.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Career: Your hard work and responsibility are recognized at work.
Love: Show your affection sincerely to strengthen your relationship.
Health: Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Career: Your creativity and uniqueness bring new ideas to work.
Love: Listen and share your thoughts to deepen emotional connections.
Health: Ensure you get enough rest and sleep to stay refreshed.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Career: Your intuition helps you make the right decisions at work.
Love: Your sensitivity and care make relationships more affectionate.
Health: Take time to relax and maintain inner peace.

0/5 (0 Reviews)