The human body is an amazing machine, capable of performing multiple functions without us even noticing. However, there are certain aspects of the organism that remain
mysterious , even to the scientific community. One of these is the change in
body odor that, according to some palliative care experts, can occur in people who are in the final stages of life.
Although each individual has a unique scent , determined by factors such as genetics, diet, and hygiene, there are situations in which the body emits distinct odors. Julie McFadden, a nurse specializing in terminally ill patients , has shared her experience with this phenomenon, explaining that some relatives of patients have noticed a particular fragrance before their death.
According to McFadden, who has worked in hospitals and nursing homes in Los Angeles, this change in smell could be a sign that the end is near . In an interview with Ladbible, the specialist explained that the human body releases certain chemical compounds in its final stages, which generate an unusual aroma.
Putrescine and cadaverine are two substances that , according to the nurse, play a key role in this process. These organic compounds begin to be released when the metabolism slows dramatically and cells stop functioning efficiently. Although these substances are usually associated with post-mortem processes, McFadden mentions that in some cases they can be perceived before death , which has sparked curiosity in the medical community.
This phenomenon isn’t limited to smell alone. The nurse mentions that, in terminally ill patients, the body undergoes metabolic changes that can cause breath, skin, and other fluids to acquire distinct aromas. In some cases, the smell is described as similar to that of nail polish remover , which could be related to the accumulation of certain chemicals in the blood.
Illnesses can also influence these changes. McFadden mentions that conditions such as stomach or intestinal cancer can cause the body to release more intense odors due to the involvement of internal organs. However, she clarifies that these aromas can vary depending on each person and their health status.
Another common phenomenon in the final stages of life is the “death rattle ,” a distinctive sound that can be shocking to loved ones. This noise, which resembles a wet crackling , occurs when fluids accumulate in the throat and the patient is no longer able to swallow or cough normally. Although this sound can be alarming, the specialist assures that it does not cause pain or discomfort to the patient.
McFadden’s testimony has generated interest and debate on social media, where many have shared their own experiences of changes in their loved ones’ scent in their final days. Although there is still much research to be done on this phenomenon, the nurse emphasizes that it is part of the body’s natural process and that, although it may seem unsettling, it is simply a sign that the body is preparing to rest.
