The phenomenon known as the death rattle can be a distressing aspect of death for some, making it important to understand what it entails.
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is something that no one can fully prepare for.
Having some knowledge of what might happen during their final moments, especially from a medical perspective, can help minimize unforeseen surprises during this challenging time.
Healthline describes a death rattle as “a crackling, wet sound that may accompany each breath.”
According to the site, “A death rattle is a distinctive sound that a person may make as they approach the end of their life and may no longer be able to swallow or cough effectively enough to clear their saliva.”
This typically happens when a person is ‘in a weakened state or is in and out of consciousness,’ lacking the strength to swallow or cough, which may cause their breathing to appear ‘irregular’ or ‘labored’.
“When they take a deeper breath, the death rattle sounds may be louder because the deeper, more forceful breath is moving against the secretions in the back of the throat.”
The sound is notably distinct.
As its name suggests, the death rattle is not a pleasant sound.
It may sound ‘wet’ or crackly and can differ with each breath.
Healthline adds, “Sometimes, the sound is soft and moan-like. Other times it’s loud and sounds like snoring or gargling.”
It might even resemble the person ‘drowning’ or ‘choking’. However, the site assures there is ‘no evidence’ to indicate that the person experiences ‘any pain or anxiety’ during this time.
For family and friends, hearing this sound can obviously be distressing, but fortunately, there are ways to help reduce it.
Managing a person’s ‘oral fluid intake’ and ‘repositioning them so they are turned to their side with their head slightly elevated’ can help reduce the death rattle.
Medical professionals might also use certain medications or oral care items to decrease saliva production.
Nevertheless, Healthline cautions: “However, as a death rattle is often a symptom of the dying process, it may not be possible to eliminate the sound entirely.”
Typically, a person lives ‘an average of 23 hours after the onset of a death rattle’. During this time, it’s crucial to have support in place, bid farewell, and begin the path through the initial stages of grief.
Regardless of how much time you have to face the loss of a loved one, it remains impossible to be completely prepared for grief.
It’s a process one must learn to cope with, and discussing it with family, friends, or mental health professionals can offer some relief.
If you’ve experienced a bereavement and wish to talk to someone confidentially, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.