Off The Record

Experts Are Drawing Attention To A Disturbing Noise That People Produce Just Before They Die

Published on December 5, 2024

Experts are drawing attention to a disturbing noise that people produce just before they pass away.

Since most people say the same thing on their deathbed, health specialists have acknowledged that a variety of phenomena happen when someone is close to passing away, some of which even occur months beforehand.

But when there are only around twenty-four hours left, loving ones will often witness and hear one recurrent occurrence.

What is the ‘death rattle’?

The change in breathing patterns and the way “secretions may collect in the throat” are the main causes, according to Medical News Today.

End-of-life care specialist, Hospice Nurse Julie, has previously explained this phenomenon, known as the ‘death rattle’: “This is just a collection of a small bit of saliva in the back of the throat that just sounds really bad.”

“Fever happens a lot too because we lose the ability to control the core temperature so our temperature will fluctuate at the end of life.”

“Again, it’s all very normal and part of the death and dying process if you are dying naturally at home,” the physician stated.

What does the ‘death rattle’ sound like?

When a person’s ability to swallow diminishes in the final stages of life, “secretions in the respiratory tract may increase.” This is a part of the dying process.

People describe it as a “crackling, wet noise” that grows louder when they breathe.

With every breath, it can occasionally sound like a gentle groan or even a loud gurgling or snoring noise.

Although friends and family may be concerned about the person doing the death rattle, fortunately, they are not in any agony or discomfort.

According to research, the process takes longer for patients receiving hospice care than for those in hospitals, although the average lifespan after the death rattle is around twenty-five hours.

What can you do to ease the ‘death rattle’ sound?

In essence, breathing patterns will alter, making it impossible for the person to clear their throat of phlegm and saliva. Additionally, a dying person may have labored breathing if they stop breathing for a few seconds.

However, what steps can a nurse take to help the person’s neighbors cope with the noise?

Any one of the following:

Turn them onto their side
Raise their head so the secretions can drain
Moisten the mouth with damp swabs
Use suction to drain the secretions
Limit fluid intake
Use medication to clear the secretions
At the end of the day, it is a natural stage of dying and medical professionals will explain the noise to any concerned loved ones.

However, it’s important to note that there’s no need to fear because the aforementioned remedies are probably not going to stop a death rattle.