A doctor has provided insight into a particular sound that may occur when someone is near the end of their life.
This sound, known as a ‘death rattle,’ can be heard in individuals who are approximately 24 hours away from death.
Healthline describes it as “a crackling, wet sound that may accompany each breath.”
The website further explains, “A death rattle is a distinctive sound that a person may make as they are coming to the end of their life and may no longer be able to swallow or cough effectively enough to clear their saliva.”
This phenomenon can occur as a person slips in and out of consciousness, with their breathing becoming more strained.
Dr. Paulien Moyaert, a former medical student, PhD candidate, and resident in nuclear medicine, elaborated in a YouTube video: “This occurs because as consciousness decreases, patients lose their ability to swallow. Air moves these pooled secretions resulting in noisy breathing.”
She added, “Some people say that the death rattle is the lungs’ attempt to breathe through a layer of saliva.”
While this sound may seem alarming, it is important to note that the person making the noise is likely unconscious and therefore not in pain.
Dr. Moyaert stated, “We often give drugs to try dry up the airways and soften the death rattle. But when we do it, it’s not for the dying person but for their family.”
She also noted that “Repositioning the patient so that they’re turned to their side with their head slightly elevated may also help.”
Viewers of the video expressed gratitude for the clarification. One viewer commented, “Thank you. I am alone with my dying mother right now and this helped me know that it is normal.”
Another shared, “My friend is dying in Florida and her daughter is keeping me updated. She referenced a ‘death rattle’ in one of her updates and I wasn’t sure what that was. Thank you for explaining it.”
Many wished they had this knowledge during the passing of their loved ones.
Someone remarked, “Thank you for helping inform and educate people who are experiencing this with a loved one or who will eventually do so. I wish I had this information before my mom died. It was traumatic to hear as she had a very pronounced death rattle and it sounded like she was struggling to breathe. The sound haunted me for months after she passed.”
For those who have experienced a loss and wish to speak with someone confidentially, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238 or email [email protected].