This Is What a Person Who Is About to Die Smells Like, According to an Expert (500 Words)
Death is not only something we see and feel—it’s something we can smell. While it might sound strange or even uncomfortable to talk about, many hospice nurses, palliative care workers, and end-of-life specialists have long noted that the body gives off a unique odor in the final stages of life. According to medical professionals who’ve spent years at the bedside of the dying, the human body undergoes profound changes in its chemistry and metabolism as death nears—and these changes are sometimes detectable through scent.One such expert is hospice nurse Julie McFadden, RN, who has become widely known for sharing honest and compassionate insights about death. She explains that many experienced healthcare workers can recognize a distinct "death smell" that often appears within hours to days before a person passes. “It’s not gross, and it’s not necessarily strong,” McFadden says, “but it is unique. You never forget it once you’ve encountered it.”
So, what exactly is this smell?
The odor is often described as slightly sweet, earthy, and almost musky—similar to the smell of decaying leaves mixed with nail polish remover or acetone. Some have even likened it to the scent of fermenting fruit or a faint chemical aroma. The reason for this is that as the body begins to shut down, organ systems—particularly the liver and kidneys—stop functioning properly. This leads to a buildup of toxins and metabolic byproducts in the blood and tissues, which are then released through the skin and breath.
One particular compound that’s often associated with this smell is dimethyl sulfide, a sulfur-containing molecule that can emit a rotting or sweetly pungent scent. Another is acetone, a substance that gives off a fruity odor and is also found in the breath of people in diabetic ketoacidosis—a condition similarly marked by extreme metabolic shifts.
It's important to note that not every dying person emits this scent, and the smell can vary depending on the individual's illness, medications, hydration level, and other factors. However, for those who are familiar with end-of-life care, the smell is often an unspoken indicator that time is short.
But perhaps most compelling is how the smell can emotionally impact those nearby. Some caregivers say the scent is oddly peaceful—like nature reclaiming the body. Others find it emotionally difficult, as it signals the irreversible nearing of death. Either way, it’s a deeply human part of the dying process that deserves respect, not fear.
Ultimately, the smell of death is not something to be ashamed of or repulsed by—it is simply the body’s way of transitioning. It serves as a natural, physical reminder that death, like birth, has a rhythm and a signature all its own. For those who care for the dying, recognizing these subtle signs can help bring a deeper understanding of the sacred, fragile, and beautiful process of letting go.
advertisement
Though technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, there are still many mysteries to be solved. Or some things that cannot yet be explained. For instance, the smell given off by people who are about to die, which a nurse describes this way.
The human body is wonderful. Especially because it is capable of performing various functions perfectly. However, there are still some aspects that continue to raise doubts in the scientific community and even among individuals.
As we know, we all have a specific body odor. This is determined by the amount of bacteria we have in our bodies, or by other factors, such as our diet and hygiene habits.
This characteristic odor is unique. However, we can also give off other odors (which have nothing to do with the presence of bacteria or hygiene habits). These can be a bit uncomfortable.
In that case, many people have wondered what those who are about to d.ie smell like. Believe it or not, they also give off a distinctive odor, and right now, we’ll show you what a nurse at a Los Angeles orphanage explained.
What do people smell like before they d.ie?
Julie McFadden, a nurse at an orphanage in Los Angeles, USA, spoke with Ladbible about a phenomenon that’s not often known. It’s the distinctive odor that people give off before they die.
According to her, people who are about to die emit very specific odors. According to her, the presence of these odors could be a sign that d.eath is imminent.
The nurse explained that these odors come from two chemical compounds: putrescine and cadaverine. These are released when the body begins its decomposition process.
“People ask me all the time, ‘I smell a smell coming from my loved one,’ and I tell them it could be those gases.” McFadden, who has experience caring for terminally ill patients, mentions this.
Putrescine is an organic compound that, along with cadaverine, is largely responsible for the unpleasant odor of decomposing flesh. This explains the unpleasant smell, along with other possible causes.
The body undergoes one last change before d.eath.
Other changes that occur in a person’s body before d.eath include changes in metabolism. These can generate distinctive odors on the breath, skin, and bodily fluids. McFadden mentions that these could resemble nail polish remover.
Illnesses can also contribute to a change in odor. “If a person is d.ying of bowel or stomach cancer, this odor can be quite strong.” However, this isn’t all, as there are also sounds characteristic of this natural process.
This is the “de.ath rattle,” a crackling, wet sound that can be quite impactful to those who hear it. According to the nurse, this occurs when fluid accumulates in the patient’s throat. Due to the deterioration of the body, the patient loses the ability to swallow or cough.
“It’s a normal part of the process, although the distinctive sound can be very distressing for loved ones.”
advertisement
Watch Video Below