Experts Are Shedding Light on the ‘Death Rattle’ Phenomenon Before Passing

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Experts Are Shedding Light on the ‘Death Rattle’ Phenomenon Before Passing
Understanding the Final Sounds of Life: What Loved Ones Should Know About the ‘Death Rattle’

ByBryan Seal-120219

When someone is nearing the end of life, their body undergoes many changes, some of which may occur months before their passing. However, in the final 24 hours, loved ones may witness a common and often unsettling phenomenon—a noise known as the ‘death rattle.’

What is the ‘Death Rattle’?
According to Medical News Today, the ‘death rattle’ is caused by changes in breathing patterns and the buildup of secretions in the throat. Hospice Nurse Julie, an expert in end-of-life care, describes the sound:

“This is just a collection of a small bit of saliva in the back of the throat that just sounds really bad.”

Research shows that the average lifespan after the onset of the death rattle is around twenty-five hours. However, the process tends to last longer for those receiving hospice care compared to hospital patients.

What Can You Do to Ease the ‘Death Rattle Noise’?
While the ‘death rattle’ is a natural part of the dying process, there are ways to reduce its intensity to comfort those nearby:
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