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Tube Feeding (Fluids and Food) |
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 The
benefits of dehydration at the end of life
The evidence from medical research and patients’ bedsides suggests
that it is often more comfortable to die
without artificial hydration provided either by a feeding tube or
IV. Until this generation, everyone who died a natural death died
without artificially supplied fluids. Refusing food and drink has
always been a sign of the last phase of terminal condition. Only recently
have people been afraid that not providing food and fluid through
a tube would force someone to "starve to death." There is no medical
or clinical evidence that not putting a feeding tube or IV leads to
a more a painful death. In fact, the research says just the opposite.
The main burden associated with dehydration at the end of life is
a dry mouth. Very few people feel any thirst. Dry mouth can be easily
addressed with good mouth care, ice chips or a moistened sponge swab. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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