A death rattle is a term used to describe the gurgling or rattling sounds that can be heard when an individual is near the end of life. This occurs due to the accumulation of secretions, such as saliva and bronchial mucus, in the throat and upper chest area. The person may be unable to swallow or clear these secretions because of the weakening of the muscles involved in swallowing, which is a common occurrence as death approaches. The death rattle is not typically painful for the person experiencing it, but it can be distressing for family members and caregivers to hear. It is important to note that the sound is a natural part of the dying process and not an indication of suffering. Management of death rattle may include positioning the person to facilitate drainage of secretions, using suction to remove excess fluid if necessary, and in some cases, the use of medications to reduce the production of saliva or mucus. read more >>

Terminal respiratory secretions (or simply terminal secretions), known colloquially as a death rattle, are sounds often produced by someone who is near death as a result of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions accumulating in the throat and upper chest.read more >>