Death rattle

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
For the horror comic published by Kitchen Sink Press, see Death Rattle (comics).

A death rattle is noisy breathing that often occurs in someone who is near death.

shortness of breath, and rapid chest movement. While 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.

Timing

This symptom most commonly appears sometime during the last 24 hours of the person's life, although some people live somewhat longer.[4]

Management

The dying person is usually unaware of the noisy breathing and is not disturbed by it, but some healthcare providers attempt to minimize the sound for the emotional comfort of family members and caregivers.

scopolamine) or atropine may be used for their anticholinergic effects to reduce secretions and minimize this effect.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Cobbs, Elizabeth L.; et al. "When Death Is Near". MSD Manuals Consumer Version. Merck. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  2. ^
    PMID 18254072
    .
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^
    OCLC 875629996
    .
  5. PMID 19331295
    .

External links

Look up death rattle in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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