In the final 24 hours of life, many experience a phenomenon known as the death rattle, a noise caused by changes in breathing and secretions in the throat. This natural process, though unsettling to hear, does not cause pain or discomfort to the individual.

What Is the Death Rattle?

The death rattle occurs as swallowing ability diminishes, allowing secretions to build up in the respiratory tract. The sound is often described as a crackling or wet gurgling noise. Fever and temperature fluctuations are also common at this stage, as the body loses the ability to regulate core temperature.

How Long Does It Last?

The average lifespan after the onset of the death rattle is about 25 hours, though it can last longer in hospice care compared to hospital settings.

Managing the Death Rattle

While the death rattle is a natural part of dying, there are steps to ease the noise and provide comfort:

• Position the person on their side to help drain secretions.
• Slightly elevate their head for better drainage.
• Moisten their mouth with damp swabs to prevent dryness.
• Use suction or prescribed medications to reduce secretions.
• Limit fluid intake to avoid excessive buildup.

Though these measures may reduce the sound, they likely won’t eliminate it entirely.