Why does a dying person's jaw move with each breath?
Jaw movement with each breath can happen when a dying person's breathing muscles are very weak.
Jaw movement with each breath can happen when a dying person's breathing muscles are very weak. The mouth may fall open and the lower jaw may move as air comes in and out.
This can look frightening. It may be part of the final breathing pattern, especially if the person is very sleepy or unconscious. It still deserves attention if the person looks distressed.
General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.
Why breathing changes near death
As death comes closer, the brain and muscles no longer control breathing in the usual steady way. Breathing can become shallow, deep, fast, slow, noisy or irregular. There may be pauses where breathing stops for a while and then starts again.
The person may breathe through an open mouth because the jaw has relaxed. The jaw may lift and fall with each breath because the person is weak and breathing is no longer smooth.
Does it mean they are struggling?
Not always. Many people who have this pattern are deeply asleep or unconscious. They may not be aware of the breathing change.
Look for the whole picture. Signs of possible distress include a frightened face, tense shoulders, clenched hands, moaning, repeated restlessness, blue lips with distress, or pulling at bedding.
If the person looks calm, jaw movement may be more upsetting for family than for the person.
What may help
Ask the nurse or palliative care team about positioning. A small turn to the side, raising the head of the bed, or adjusting pillows may help some people. Do not force the mouth closed.
Mouth care is important because mouth breathing can dry the lips, tongue and mouth. Ask what is safe for that person.
Medicines may be used if the person is breathless, anxious or in pain. Use the person's own plan and ask before changing any dose.
What to ask the team
You can say:
- "Their jaw is moving with each breath. Do they look distressed?"
- "Is this expected at this stage?"
- "Should we change their position?"
- "Do they need medicine for breathlessness or pain?"
- "What should we do if the breathing pauses get longer?"
The team may explain that this is part of dying, or they may find a symptom that can be eased.
When to get help now
Contact the care team urgently if the person looks distressed, has sudden severe breathlessness, choking, pain, agitation, or breathing changes that are new and worrying.
Call 000 if this is a sudden breathing emergency in someone who is not expected to be dying, or if there is no end-of-life plan and you need emergency help.
You may also want to read
- Are they suffering when breathing becomes noisy, irregular or stops for periods?
- Why does a dying person's mouth stay open?
- How can I tell if someone is dying?
- Is what I'm seeing normal dying, or are they suffering?