A death rattle is noisy breathing that often occurs in someone near death.[1] Accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways is the cause.[2] Those who are dying may lose their ability to swallow and may have increased production of bronchial secretions, resulting in such an accumulation.[3] Usually, two or three days earlier, symptoms of approaching death can be observed, such as saliva accumulating in the throat, difficulty taking even a spoonful of water, shortness of breath, and rapid chest movement. While a death rattle is a strong indication that someone is near death,[2] it can also be produced by other problems that cause interference with the swallowing reflex, such as brain injuries.[3]
It is sometimes misinterpreted as the sound of the person choking to death or gargling. Notably, death rattle is a separate phenomenon from agonal respiration, ataxic respiration, and Kussmaul respiration.[4]
- ^ Cobbs, Elizabeth L.; et al. "When Death Is Near". MSD Manuals Consumer Version. Merck. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ a b Wee, B.; Hillier, R. (2008). Wee, B. (ed.). "Interventions for noisy breathing in patients near to death". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (1): CD005177. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005177.pub2. PMC 6478131. PMID 18254072.
- ^ a b Bickel, Kathleen; Kareem, Lava; Bui, Trinh; Arnold, Robert. "Death Rattle and Oral Secretions". Fast Facts. End-of-Life/Palliative Education Resource Center. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
- ^ Whited, Lacey; Hashmi, Muhammad F.; Graham, Derrel D. (2024), "Abnormal Respirations", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 29262235, retrieved 2024-11-10