Doctor warns 'death will come soon' to anyone spotting one specific symptom

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
A specialist in palliative care, Kathryn Mannix, has offered a powerful perspective on death, providing insights into what may be a prominent sign that someone is nearing their final moments. Dr Mannix, who merges her expertise as a clinician and author with her advocacy work for Hospice UK, promotes an open conversation about dying, calling it 'a natural process'.
Dr Kathryn, a key figure in Hospice UK's Dying Matters campaign and contributor to the eye-opening BBC piece 'Dying is not as bad as you think', advocates candid discussions about mortality across different platforms. During such conversations, she often points to particular signs indicating when a patient may be approaching the end of their life.
Urging for a rediscovery of 'the wisdom' in discussing the last phases of life, Dr Kathryn aims to break down the stigmas surrounding death.
READ MORE - Kate Middleton has the same breakfast every day to keep herself feeling healthy
READ MORE - ITV Good Morning Britain star reveals painful health battle live on air
The Express reports on Dying Matters, an initiative by Hospice UK which strives to produce educational materials and encourages a culture where talks of death, bereavement, and the dying process are standardised.
Hospice UK has released a video with Dr Kathryn which sheds light on a key indicator of impending death, reports the Mirror.
Dr Kathryn has shared her view that 'dying is probably not as bad as you're expecting', offering reassurance and guidance regarding the dying process.
She details this in the Hospice UK video, explaining: "As time goes by people sleep more, and they're awake less.
"Instead of just being asleep, this person has temporarily become unconscious, we can't wake them up."
Dr. Kathryn described the moment of passing as follows: "At the very end of somebody's life, there will be a period of shallow breathing and then one out breath that just isn't followed by another in breath."
She explained that this marks the transition from consciousness to a comatose state, rather than simply sleep.
The physician also addressed the 'death rattle', a phenomenon that often precedes the final breath. She clarified that this sound is an indicator of profound tranquillity as the individual approaches death.
Dr. Kathryn stressed that the 'death rattle' should not be viewed negatively, but rather as a serene aspect of the dying process. She explained that the rattling noise occurs when the person becomes completely unconscious and peaceful, as they continue to breathe but lose the ability to clear their throat.
According to Dr. Kathryn, the accumulation of mucus and saliva in the back of the throat causes the characteristic rattling noise as the individual breathes. She described the final breath as potentially 'so gentle' that loved ones present may not immediately realise the person has passed away.
Dr. Kathryn highlighted the importance of understanding and appreciating this natural part of life, as well as comforting one another in times of bereavement. Dr Kathryn voiced her desire for society to recognise and accept the inherent process of dying – a common characteristic shared amongst all humanity.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mirror

2 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Rabies vaccines see surge in demand following tragic death of British gran

Pharmacist Olamide Olokanmi confirmed the rise in numbers of people asking for rabies treatment. His pharmacy in Otley, West Yorkshire, had stocked up on the jab The tragic death of a British gran from rabies has sparked a surge in travellers seeking advice about vaccinations. Yvonne Ford 59, from Barnsley, died in hospital in Sheffield on 11 June after being scratched by the stray dog during a family trip to Morocco in February. Pharmacist Olamide Olokanmi confirmed the rise in numbers of people asking for rabies treatment. His pharmacy in Otley, West Yorkshire, had stocked up on the jab but he was concerned that an increase in demand may lead to a shortage of supply. ‌ "We frequently have supply issues with vaccines, especially when there's a high demand for them, and rabies notoriously seems to be one of them," said Mr Olokanmi. "Year-on-year we always have that problem, so I do foresee that being a problem. There would then be a wait for it to come back in or we'd have to go to another manufacturer which then drives up the price of the vaccine." ‌ It currently costs up to £330 for a three-dose rabies vaccine. Mrs Ford's death from the virus was the first in the UK since 2018 when a British man was bitten by a cat in the same African country. Mr Olokanmi has seen a rise in the number of customers seeking advice about whether to get the vaccination before travelling to high-risk regions such as Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Before news of Mrs Ford's death, most people accessing the pharmacy's travel clinic opted not to get the jab, he said. He told the BBC: "We had one lady come in on Wednesday night who is going on holiday to Morocco. She wasn't going to get the vaccine but after hearing what happened to this lady she changed her mind. A young man has also come in who is going to Morocco and we've had a lot of phone calls from people asking about it." The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), said its members were directing customers to the UK government travel advice. The travel agents have a duty to give advice about vaccines to holidaymakers when planning and booking their trip. That guidance was repeated for the benefit of their members this week. ‌ Spokesperson Emma Brennan added: "The UK Foreign Office does a lot to raise awareness of checking this advice and we support them in that, and their work with industry." Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust confirmed his wife was diagnosed with rabies. ‌ It is a rare but serious infection that is usually caught from the bite or scratch of infected dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes. Although the risk of getting it while travelling is small, rabies is more common in parts of Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Dr Katherine Russell, of the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found, you should wash the wound with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies." The UK has been rabies-free since 1922, when the last indigenous non-fatal case was recorded, with the exception of rabies-like viruses in some wild bat species. Omar Zouhri, 58, was the last person to die in the UK from rabies; he was bitten by a rabid cat while in Morocco. Mr Zouhri, from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, died in hospital in Oxford on November 4, 2018.

Daily Record

19 hours ago

• Daily Record

This one thing can 'make a big difference' in cooling your dogs this summer

With temperatures set to pass 30C in some parts of the UK this weekend, dog owners are being urged to watch for signs of heat exhaustion With temperatures soaring to 30C across parts of the UK this week, dog owners are being urged to take extra care of their furry friends in the heat. Canine expert Yasmin El-Saie has shared some timely advice to help prevent dogs from suffering in the sweltering weather. And, according to Yasmin, it all starts with grooming. She explained: 'Regular grooming plays a crucial role in keeping dogs cool. ‌ "Brushing helps remove loose fur and promotes airflow across the skin. This is especially important for thick-coated breeds who can overheat more easily.' ‌ She added: 'Keeping that grooming appointment, or regular brushing at home, can make a big difference in heat regulation.' While it might seem like common sense, Yasmin stressed that one of the biggest mistakes owners can make is walking their dogs in the midday sun, The Express reports. 'Dogs can't sweat like humans,' she said, 'so it's our responsibility to look after them.' She strongly recommends sticking to early mornings or later evenings for walks, when the air is cooler and safer for your pet. And while dogs might love the chance to cool off in a river or splash around in the sea, Yasmin cautioned owners to be mindful after swim time. 'Saltwater can irritate your dog's skin and paws,' she said, advising a rinse with fresh water afterwards to avoid any irritation. 'Canines have very few sweat glands, and they're mainly located in their paw pads – playing a minor role in cooling. ‌ "That means they rely heavily on panting to lower their body temperature, which makes them far more vulnerable to heat stress and even heatstroke." Alongside regular brushing, Yasmin recommends investing in a dog cooling coat, a handy tool to help beat the heat. She said: 'These specially designed garments are soaked in water, then wrung out before being worn. ‌ 'As the moisture evaporates, it draws heat away from your dog's body. Cooling coats are especially helpful for flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs who struggle more in hot conditions.' With the mercury rising, these practical tips could go a long way in keeping our four-legged friends safe, cool and happy this summer. But heat isn't the only seasonal hazard. With summer here and more people spending time in their gardens, pet experts are also warning dog owners to be cautious of common household and garden items. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Curious dogs might try to nibble things they shouldn't, and products like fertilisers, pesticides and slug pellets can pose serious health risks. Fertilisers, especially freshly applied granules, can be dangerous if ingested, while pesticides, whether dry or wet, may irritate the skin and digestive system. Snail and slug bait is especially toxic and, if eaten, can cause severe tremors and require immediate veterinary care. As always, prevention is key. Keeping harmful substances well out of reach and closely monitoring your dog outdoors can help ensure a safe and relaxing summer for everyone.

BBC News

a day ago

• BBC News

Kimberley Nixon feels 'lighter' after ADHD and autism diagnosis

A Welsh actress says a "huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders" after being diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Kimberley Nixon, star of Channel 4's Fresh Meat, developed perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), after giving birth to her son during the 2020 said her worries about her baby's well-being escalated into intense anxiety, with symptoms lasting around two and a half years. As she began to recover, other lifelong patterns started to make sense, prompting her to seek a diagnosis. Following a series of in-depth assessments and standard diagnostic tests, she was formally diagnosed with autism and ADHD on an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Nixon told presenter Behnaz Akhgar: "We all know what the NHS is like when it comes to waiting lists, so it's taken a while. "The assessments are incredibly thorough - they dig into every little nook and cranny of your life and your past."The actress, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, known for her roles in Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, said she now feels "lighter" and is "kinder" to herself, which she described as "really lovely."Reflecting on the diagnosis, she said: "It's that square peg in a round hole feeling. "I've realised it's not that my brain is wrong - it's just different. "I don't process or interpret things the same way others do. "That always felt like a problem. "But now, it just feels like a difference." Nixon also spoke about her experience of being diagnosed with perinatal OCD, which is when you experience OCD during pregnancy or in the first year after giving is a mental health condition characterised by intrusive thoughts and compulsive years of IVF, she gave birth to her son during the 2020 pandemic, which she described as the "big catalyst" for her struggles."I went through a really tough time postpartum," she said. "Eventually, I was diagnosed with perinatal OCD - which I didn't even know was a thing. "Once you start looking into it, you realise it's actually quite common."Nixon said the condition did not present in the typical ways people associate with OCD. "I'm not a neat freak, I don't tick the usual boxes - but with perinatal OCD, I absolutely did," she said. "It involved really distressing intrusive thoughts, repetitive thinking, and punishing compulsions - just to relieve the anxiety."Last year, she told BBC Radio Wales' Books That Made Me with Lucy Owen: "I was just convinced that I wasn't doing things right. "I wasn't feeding him right. What temperature is he supposed to be?"Every time he cried I was just sort of shaking - I just got really hyper vigilant and terrified."Since learning more about the condition, Nixon has made it a priority to speak openly about it, saying it's "not as widely recognised as postnatal depression". In Thursday's interview, Nixon also spoke about her latest role in the ITV series Shardlake. She plays the character Joan in the four-part drama, which is based on CJ Sansom's historical mystery first season adapts the book Dissolution. The story follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake as he investigates a murder at a remote monastery during the reign of Henry a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, said the series was filmed in Budapest and it felt like "a little Hungarian Welsh college reunion", as fellow cast members Arthur Hughes and Anthony Boyle also trained at the same institution.