As we approach the end of life, a variety of physical changes occur, signaling that the body is preparing to shut down. One of the most unsettling phenomena that family members and caregivers may witness is the “death rattle.” This sound is a common occurrence in the final stages of life, typically heard when a person has less than 24 hours left to live. Experts in end-of-life care have started to raise awareness about this sound and its implications, helping loved ones understand and cope with the experience.
What Is the ‘Death Rattle’?
The “death rattle” is a term used to describe the sound a person makes when they are nearing death. This phenomenon occurs due to changes in breathing patterns and the accumulation of secretions in the throat and airways. As the body begins to shut down, the person may lose the ability to swallow or clear these secretions, leading to the characteristic sound.
Hospice nurse and end-of-life care specialist, Julie, explains that the death rattle is simply “a collection of a small bit of saliva in the back of the throat that sounds really bad.” Despite the unsettling noise, there is no pain or discomfort for the person experiencing it. In fact, it’s a natural part of the dying process.
What Does the ‘Death Rattle’ Sound Like?
The sound of the death rattle can vary, but it’s often described as a crackling, wet noise that becomes louder with each breath. It can also sound like a soft moan, gurgling, or even snoring, depending on the individual’s breathing patterns. For family members and friends, hearing this sound can be distressing, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t cause any pain to the person.
This noise is more pronounced when the person exhales, as the secretions in the respiratory tract move with the breath. It’s also common for the person to stop breathing for short moments, signaling labored or irregular breathing. The average time a person will live after the death rattle begins is about 25 hours, although this can vary depending on the person’s health condition and whether they are in hospice care or a hospital.
The Dying Process: Why the Death Rattle Happens
The death rattle is a result of the natural changes that occur as the body prepares for death. When a person reaches the final stages of life, they lose the ability to swallow and clear saliva or mucus from the throat. This is due to the weakening of the muscles responsible for swallowing and the decreasing efficiency of the respiratory system.
Loved ones might become worried if they hear the sound (Getty Stock Photo)
As the person breathes, the accumulated secretions in the throat and airways produce the gurgling or crackling sound. This happens because the body is no longer able to manage its fluids properly, and the secretions are not cleared. The person may also experience fluctuations in body temperature, such as fever, as the body’s ability to regulate its core temperature diminishes.
How to Ease the ‘Death Rattle’ Sound
For caregivers and family members, hearing the death rattle can be emotionally overwhelming. While it’s important to understand that the sound is natural and not painful, there are several ways to ease the noise and make the process more comfortable for the person and their loved ones.
Here are a few strategies that can help reduce the intensity of the death rattle:
- Positioning: Turning the person onto their side can help with drainage of secretions and may reduce the sound. Raising the person’s head can also encourage the fluid to drain, making breathing easier.
- Mouth Care: Moistening the person’s mouth with damp swabs can help ease dryness and discomfort. This also makes it easier for the person to tolerate the changes in their breathing patterns.
- Suctioning: Medical professionals may use suction devices to gently remove excess secretions from the mouth and throat, reducing the sound of the death rattle.
- Limiting Fluid Intake: In some cases, limiting the intake of fluids can help manage the buildup of secretions, though this should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications that can help dry up secretions in the throat and respiratory tract, potentially reducing the intensity of the noise. These medications can be administered either orally or through an IV.
- Reassurance and Comfort: It’s important to reassure family members and friends that the death rattle is a normal part of the dying process. Medical professionals are trained to manage these changes and can offer guidance on how to comfort loved ones during this difficult time.
The ‘death rattle’ is a natural part of the dying process (Getty Stock Photo)
Why the Death Rattle Is Not a Cause for Concern
While the death rattle can be alarming for those who are unfamiliar with it, it’s important to remember that it’s a natural occurrence in the dying process. It does not cause any pain to the individual, and it is not a sign of distress.
Hospice care teams are skilled at managing the physical changes that occur as a person nears death, and they can provide support and comfort to both the patient and their family. Medical professionals will often explain the death rattle to family members, helping them understand that it is just one of the many changes that signal the end of life.
The Role of Hospice Care in Managing the Dying Process
Hospice care plays a critical role in providing comfort and support to individuals nearing the end of life. Unlike hospital settings, where the focus may be on curative treatments, hospice care emphasizes quality of life and symptom management.
Health professionals can do a number of things to make the noises less noticeable (Getty Stock Photo)
In hospice care, professionals are dedicated to ensuring that the person is as comfortable as possible in their final days. This includes managing symptoms like the death rattle, providing emotional support to the family, and helping everyone navigate the complex emotions that come with end-of-life care.
Hospice teams are also well-equipped to address other issues that may arise in the final stages of life, such as pain management, respiratory distress, and emotional distress. The goal is to ensure that the person can pass peacefully, with dignity and comfort.
Conclusion: The Death Rattle and the Natural Process of Dying
The death rattle is a common and natural occurrence in the final stages of life. While the sound may be unsettling, it is important to understand that it does not cause pain or discomfort to the person. With proper care and support, loved ones can manage this phenomenon and make the person’s final days more peaceful.
Hospice care professionals are trained to handle these changes and offer comfort, reassurance, and practical solutions to ease the process. Ultimately, the death rattle is just one of the many physical changes that occur as the body prepares for the end of life, and it serves as a reminder of the natural progression we all must face.
