Another relevant factor is the decrease in appetite and fluid intake, which is common in the final stages of many illnesses. Dehydration and fasting alter the way the body produces energy, potentially generating volatile compounds that can be detected in the breath or the surrounding space. These odors do not pose a danger to those caring for the patient, but they do signal a body in a state of extreme fragility.
The Role of Human Perception
Human perception also plays a key role. In situations of emotional stress, anticipatory grief, or constant worry, the senses tend to be more alert. The brain, when faced with meaningful or critical situations, can intensify stimuli or associate them with important moments. As a result, an odor that might go unnoticed in another context can take on special significance during times of farewell or uncertainty.
