Changes in blood circulation , common in patients with serious illnesses or in states of extreme weakness, also play a role. When blood flow to the skin and extremities are reduced, variations in temperature , humidity , and skin chemistry occur. These conditions can promote the development of stronger odors, especially if the person remains at rest for extended periods or has very limited mobility.
Another relevant factor is the decrease in appetite and fluid intake , common in the final stages of many illnesses. Dehydration and fasting alter the way the body obtains energy, which can generate volatile compounds noticeable in the breath or the surrounding environment. These odors do not pose a danger to those accompanying the patient, but they are a sign of an organism experiencing extreme fragility .
Human perception also plays a key role. In contexts of emotional stress , anticipatory grief , or constant worry, the senses are often heightened. Faced with significant situations, the brain can intensify stimuli or associate them with critical moments. Thus, a smell that would otherwise go unnoticed can acquire a special meaning when experiencing a farewell or uncertainty.
