1. Pain
Pain is a common symptom experienced near the end of life, although it can vary from person to person. Pain is not only determined by medical conditions that cause pain, like cancer or lung disease, but also by factors like emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and the non-acceptance of one’s own death.1
Pain control near the end of death should involve addressing all of these factors as part of hospice or palliative care. If medications are needed for severe pain, opioid analgesics like morphine are typically the first-line option.2
2. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is one of the most common end-of-life symptoms. Even if a person doesn’t have lung disease, dyspnea can occur because the organ systems of the body are interconnected.2
For example, if your heart is slowing down due to heart failure and less oxygen is being delivered to the body, you can become breathless with minimal physical activity.
Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help in the early stages. As the condition progresses, medications and oxygen therapy may be needed.