Gasping is a brainstem reflex; it is the last respiratory pattern prior to terminal apnoea.
There may be times when a dying person has an abnormal breathing pattern, known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing. The person's breathing may alternate between deep, heavy breaths and shallow or even no breaths. Some people very near death might have noisy breathing, sometimes called a death rattle.
Agonal breathing is when someone who is not getting enough oxygen is gasping for air. It is usually due to cardiac arrest or stroke. It's not true breathing. It's a natural reflex that happens when your brain is not getting the oxygen it needs to survive.
As the moment of death comes nearer, the person's breathing may slow down and become irregular. It might stop and then start again or there might be long pauses or stops between breaths. This is sometimes known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing.
These periods of apnea will eventually increase from a few seconds to more extended periods during which no breath is taken. This pattern or respirations is known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, named for the person who first described it, and usually indicates that death is very close (minutes to hours).
Gasping is a brainstem reflex; it is the last respiratory pattern prior to terminal apnoea. Gasping is also referred to as agonal respiration and the name is appropriate because the gasping respirations appear uncomfortable, causing concern that the patient is dyspnoeic and in agony.
Irregular breathing, panting and periods of not breathing may occur. Changes in breathing are very common and indicate a decrease in circulation to the internal organs. While these changes are not usually bothersome to the patient, they can be distressing to family members. Elevating the head may provide relief.
As the brain dies, the respiratory system often responds with periods of no breathing (apnea), where the time between breaths becomes longer and longer. The respiration rate may decrease below 8 breaths per minute.
These end-of-life breathing patterns can happen very quickly, or it can occur over many hours or even days. This is a normal part of the dying process as the body begins to slowly shut down.
Agonal Breathing
Agonal gasping at the end of life is not a “desire or hunger for air” but rather a basic reflex of the dying brain.
The sound of death rattle is crackling and wet and can be heard at varying levels with each breath. Some may wonder, does the death rattle sound like snoring? Sometimes it can sound like snoring or gargling and can even be soft and moan-like.
Agonal gasps are involuntary and insufficient respirations that are caused by low oxygen in the blood, also known as hypoxia. This breathing is not normal breathing and indicates that someone is likely dying.
As the moment of death comes nearer, breathing usually slows down and becomes irregular. It might stop and then start again or there might be long pauses or stops between breaths . This is known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing. This can last for a short time or long time before breathing finally stops.
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a rare abnormal breathing pattern. View Source that can occur while awake but usually occurs during sleep. The pattern involves a period of fast, shallow breathing followed by slow, heavier breathing and moments without any breath at all, called apneas.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a specific form of periodic breathing (waxing and waning amplitude of flow or tidal volume) characterized by a crescendo-decrescendo pattern of respiration between central apneas or central hypopneas.
The first organ system to “close down” is the digestive system. Digestion is a lot of work! In the last few weeks, there is really no need to process food to build new cells. That energy needs to go elsewhere.
You may develop Cheyne-Stokes breathing, when periods of shallow breathing alternate with periods of deeper, rapid breathing. The deep, rapid breathing may be followed by a pause before breathing begins again. Your breathing may also become more noisy as a result of the build-up of mucus.
They Know They're Dying
Dying is a natural process that the body has to work at. Just as a woman in labor knows a baby is coming, a dying person may instinctively know death is near. Even if your loved one doesn't discuss their death, they most likely know it is coming.
A rally can last days, weeks, or for a few short, unexplainable minutes. However, every end-of-life experience is as unique as the person who lives it. If you suspect your loved one may be experiencing a rally, do not attempt to mark their time left with statistics.
Terminal agitation is typically seen during the hours or days before death and can be distressing and overwhelming for caregivers.
The pre-active phase of dying usually occurs two to three weeks prior to death. During this time, patients experience symptoms such as: Increased periods of sleep and lethargy. Withdrawal from social interaction.
Days Before End of Life
It's usually at this point when you hear the death rattle, and your loved one starts coughing more frequently due to respiration problems. While these may sound alarming, they're generally painless for the person. Some people may experience a sudden burst of energy one day before death.
They are likely to spend more time sleeping, and will often be drowsy even when they are awake. They may also drift in and out of consciousness. Some people become completely unconscious for periods of time before they die - this could be for a short period or as long as several days.
It is a type of final frenzied gasping for air that can be observed in someone who is dying or has recently died. Agonal breathing has also been called death rattle or terminal breath, and it can be a frightening experience for those witnessing it.