Experts are drawing attention to a disturbing noise that people produce just before they pass away.
But when there are only around twenty-four hours left, loving ones will often witness and hear one recurrent occurrence.
What is the ‘death rattle’?
The change in breathing patterns and the way “secretions may collect in the throat” are the main causes, according to Medical News Today.
“Fever happens a lot too because we lose the ability to control the core temperature so our temperature will fluctuate at the end of life.”
“Again, it’s all very normal and part of the death and dying process if you are dying naturally at home,” the physician stated.
When a person’s ability to swallow diminishes in the final stages of life, “secretions in the respiratory tract may increase.” This is a part of the dying process.
People describe it as a “crackling, wet noise” that grows louder when they breathe.
Although friends and family may be concerned about the person doing the death rattle, fortunately, they are not in any agony or discomfort.
What can you do to ease the ‘death rattle’ sound?
In essence, breathing patterns will alter, making it impossible for the person to clear their throat of phlegm and saliva. Additionally, a dying person may have labored breathing if they stop breathing for a few seconds.
Any one of the following:
- Turn them onto their side
- Raise their head so the secretions can drain
- Moisten the mouth with damp swabs
- Use suction to drain the secretions
- Limit fluid intake
- Use medication to clear the secretions
- At the end of the day, it is a natural stage of dying and medical professionals will explain the noise to any concerned loved ones.
However, it’s important to note that there’s no need to fear because the aforementioned remedies are probably not going to stop a death rattle.