Daily digest July 29 2015

Drugs to prevent 'death rattle' of dying patients not justifiable if intention is only to reduce distress of relatives, says new guidelines

Drugs used to prevent the so-called 'death rattle' of dying patients can have unpleasant side effects and may not be 'morally and economically' justifiable if used only to reduce the distress of relatives, according to new guidelines.

The death rattle is a common symptom in the final days and hours before death. It is one of most well-known indicators that death is near and can be extremely upsetting for relatives at the bedside.

It occurs when secretions such as saliva collect at the back of the throat – often after a person has lost their ability to swallow – creating a hollow, gurgling sound.

Clinicians often use drugs called antimuscarinic agents to ‘dry up’ the secretions, in order to reduce the symptoms.

However, according to new draft guidance on the care of the dying from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), there is little evidence that the drugs are effective, and they can also cause side effects including dryness in the mouth, blurred vision and retention of urine.

Read more on the Independent website

Obese must get treatment or lose benefits says PM: Cameron launches review to work out cost to taxpayers of 'preventable' conditions

Obese people who refuse medical treatment to help them lose weight could have their benefits cut, the prime minister will announce today.

David Cameron will launch a review to work out the cost to taxpayers and the economy of 'preventable' conditions such as obesity and drug and alcohol addiction.

He has asked a government health adviser to examine plans to force people with health problems to undertake treatment when claiming benefits.

Mr Cameron will pledge to make 'support and treatment' available to those with drug and alcohol problems, and the obese, who want 'the opportunity to improve their lives'. 

But he will add: 'We must look at what we do when people simply say no thanks and refuse that help, but expect taxpayers to carry on funding their benefits.

Read more on the Mail Online

Depressed patients asking doctors for help to DIE so they can end 'unbearable suffering'

Researchers tracked requests for help to die made by 100 psychiatric patients - 77 women and 23 men aged between 21 and 80 - receiving treatment in outpatient clinics.

Ninety had more than one mental health issue, with 58 patients suffering from depression and 50 from personality disorder.

Euthanasia requests were approved for 48 patients, with 35 having the procedure and eight cancelling or delaying it because having the option gave them 'peace of mind' to continue living.

The BMJ Open study focused on patients in Belgium, where euthanasia has been legal since 2002.

Read more on the Express website