The “death rattle” is a sound often heard in the final stages of life. It’s a wet, crackling noise caused by saliva accumulating in the throat when the person is too weak to swallow or cough effectively. This sound is typically produced when the individual’s breathing becomes irregular or labored, creating an unsettling and unmistakable noise.
Though it can be emotional and jarring for loved ones, the death rattle doesn’t indicate pain or anxiety in the person who is dying. The noise itself may vary, sometimes soft and moaning, other times louder and resembling snoring or gargling. Some even describe it as sounding like choking or drowning.
Healthline explains that while this sound can be disturbing for family and friends, there are steps that can be taken to alleviate it. Adjusting the individual’s position, such as turning them onto their side or elevating their head, can help reduce the severity of the rattle. Healthcare providers may also use medications or mouth care products to manage the saliva and secretions that cause the noise.
However, it’s important to remember that the death rattle is often an inherent part of the dying process, and eliminating it completely may not be possible. On average, individuals tend to survive for about 23 hours after the death rattle begins.
During this difficult period, emotional support is essential. The process of saying goodbye, preparing for grief, and finding comfort from family, friends, or mental health professionals can help manage the intense feelings of loss that accompany the final hours of a loved one’s life. The experience of grief is unique to each person, and learning to cope with it takes time. Reaching out to others during this time can ease the burden and offer much-needed support.
