Agonal breathing, also known as agonal respiration, is a term used to describe a specific type of abnormal breathing pattern that is often observed in patients with severe brain damage or during the process of dying. It is characterized by irregular, gasping, or labored breaths that are typically shallow and may be interspersed with periods of apnea (no breathing). The sound of agonal breathing can be quite distinct and may resemble gasping, snorting, or a moaning noise. It's a grave sign that can indicate a life-threatening condition such as cardiac arrest or a stroke. read more >>

Agonal breathing, or agonal respiration, is instead an abnormal and often brief pattern of breathing. Agonal breathing may sound like gasping, but it can also sound like snorting and labored breathing. It may even seem as though the person is moaning. ... Agonal breathing may occur with cardiac arrest or a stroke.read more >>