Do ALS patients suffer painful, suffocating death?
In the majority of cases, ALS patients die painlessly and peacefully, often in their sleep. If an ALS patient does not opt for a ventilator to assist breathing, death is usually a result of insufficient oxygen, which leads to a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. The build up of carbon dioxide has a narcotic effect on the patient making him or her sleepy. Many ALS patients also opt for medications to ease breathing discomfort and anxiety. ALS patients often choose to die in a hospice setting or at home where their loved ones can comfort them.
