# As your relative or friend approaches the end of their life they may experience changes in their breathing. Everyone is different, so it is not easy to say exactly what will happen to your beloves one.
Breathlessness
Some people feel breathlessness . You might hear this called dyspnoea. it can be made worse if your beloves is anxious. The doctor or nurse may give them medicine for breathlessness or advise practical steps, like having a fun in the room or opening a window.*
Noisy breathing
Some people's breathing becomes loud if mucuos has built up in their throat or airways. This is becouse they aren't coughing or clearing airways. Some people call this the death rattle, but it is not a medical term.
Changing the way your friend or family member is sitting or lying down can help with this. You can ask the doctor or nurse what might help - they might suggest medicines or gentle sunction.
It can be upsetting or worrying for you to hear these noises. But it is unlikely to be painful or distressing for your beloved one.*
Shallow or irregular breathing
As the moment of death comes nearer, your loved one,s breathing may slow down and become irregular. It might stop and then start againg or there might be long pauses or stops between brath. This is sometimes called as Cheyne-Stokes breathing. This can last for a short time or long time before breathing finally stops.
**What you can do to help
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*It might be reassuring for your beloved one it you speak calmy to them and hold or stroke their hand gently. Even if sometimes is unconcious, they may still be able to hear or feel you.
If you are worried that your beloves one is distressed or in pain, speak to their doctor or nurse.*